Himachal Pradesh Government has achieved big success with the recognition of Pahari Cow at national level. This was stated by Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Minister Virender Kanwar here today. This breed has been included in the list of recognised breeds of the country by National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources. Himachali Pahari Cow has been officially registered and named as ‘Himachali Pahari’ cow and this breed has now been included in the category of other indigenous breeds like Sahiwal, Red Sindhi, Gir. He said that earlier Animal Husbandry Department has sent a proposal to Bureau to register this cow under the name ‘Gauri’ but the indigenous cow of the state was more famous as Pahari Cow so this breed has been named as Himachali Pahari.
Virender Kanwar said that in order to include this breed amongst recognised category Animal Husbandry Department has compiled the specialities and traits of the cow and presented the data to National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources. After two years concerted efforts the breed has now been registered and included in the category of recognised breeds at National level.
Animal Husbandry Minister said that at present the strength of Himachali Pahari cow is estimated to be between 7.50 to 8.00 lakhs and this cow is mainly found in Chamba, Mandi, Kullu, Kangra, Sirmaur, Lahaul-Spiti districts. He said that with the registration of this breed, now funds for their promotion and conservation would be received from the Government of India. Animal Husbandry Department has already sent a proposal of Rs. 9.13 crore to the Government of India which will be used for the conservation of this particular cow breed. He said that the Government of India has assured that the above funds will be released to the state as soon as the breed is registered. He said that the Animal Husbandry Department will set up a special area for Pahari cow in Bagthan of Sirmaur district with the above amount.
Apart from this, the Bureau has also recognized the special breed of buffalo found in the state, which has been named as Gaujari. This breed of buffalo is found mainly in Chamba and Kangra districts.
