Initiative:

Encouragement of sheep rearing

Beneficiaries:

Farmers and tribals of Tirunelveli district, Tamil Nadu

The Challenge:

• Keelakarisal, a popular native sheep, was on the verge of extinction due to depletion of grazing lands and emergence of crossbred animals
• No support to farmers to revive this breed of sheep

The Solution:

• NABARD extended financial assistance under RIDF for construction of a modern sheep breeding unit
• Keelakarisal sheep were procured from various locations to start the breeding process

The Impact:

• 88 lambs produced in the breeding unit in the first year; the figure doubled in later years
• Native breed prevented from extinction
• Increase in demand for the breed; benefit for farmers