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News: Himachal Pradesh is introducing Australian Merino lambs among Gaddi pastoralists to improve wool quality while protecting indigenous sheep breeds.
About Australian Merino and Gaddi Sheep
| Aspect | Australian Merino Sheep | Gaddi Sheep |
| Origin | Merino is a Spanish breed that is being reared in Australia. | Gaddi is an indigenous sheep breed of Himachal Pradesh traditionally reared by Gaddi pastoralists. |
| Wool Quality
| It is known for soft, fine and lustrous wool. Crossbreeding aims to produce 21–22 micron apparel-grade wool. | It produces wool of approximately 27 microns, which is coarser and water-resistant. |
| Uses | Its fine wool is used for apparel production. | Its wool is used to make carpets, yarn, fabrics, unali coats and pattu. |
| Management | It is often managed intensively in large, fenced areas and requires more intensive care. | It follows a transhumant pastoral system and is adapted to rugged mountain conditions. |
| Adaptation | Its performance under Himachal’s diverse climatic conditions remains uncertain and requires monitoring. | It has hard hooves, endurance and resistance to climatic conditions and diseases. |
| Wool and climate | Dense, soft wool may become heavy and dirty during heavy rains and may increase health concerns. | Indigenous wool is water-resistant and helps sheep withstand thorns and rough landscapes. |
| Crossbreeding | Crossbreeding can improve wool quality and market value. | Crossbreeding may improve returns but could create a long-term risk to the indigenous breed and associated culture. |
| Livelihood concern | Offers an opportunity for higher-value wool production. | Improving returns from existing wool is also important for securing pastoralist livelihoods. |
Government Initiative
- Himachal Pradesh has been implementing a wool development programme since 2021 under the National Livestock Mission.
- Target: The programme aims to increase wool production to 3,000 tonnes by 2027, from around 1,500 tonnes currently.
- Merino Introduction: The government imported 240 Australian Merino sheep (40 males and 200 females) for genetic improvement of indigenous sheep.
- Crossbreeding: Artificial insemination is being used to crossbreed Merino with indigenous sheep.
