Assam’s indigenous ‘Asomi’ sheep breed has received national recognition from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, highlighting its distinct genetic characteristics and importance for the State’s livestock sector.

Key Features and Significance

• The Asomi sheep is adapted to the local climatic conditions of Assam and has traditionally supported rural livelihoods through sheep rearing.
• Its recognition can encourage scientific breeding, genetic improvement and systematic conservation of the indigenous breed.
• The development may provide farmers and livestock rearers with better access to technical support, improved breeding practices and institutional assistance.
• Improved productivity and wider market opportunities could help increase the income of rural households dependent on sheep rearing.

Importance of Indigenous Animal Genetic Resources

• Indigenous breeds possess locally adapted genetic traits, which can be valuable under changing climatic and environmental conditions.
• Conservation of such breeds helps protect livestock biodiversity and reduces the risk of genetic erosion caused by the replacement of local breeds with a limited number of commercially dominant breeds.
• Recognition can also promote scientific research and documentation of the breed’s genetic and productive characteristics.

Exam Hook – Prelims

Consider the following statements about indigenous livestock breeds:

1. Indigenous breeds can possess genetic traits adapted to local climatic conditions.
2. Conservation of indigenous breeds contributes to the preservation of livestock genetic diversity.
3. Recognition of a livestock breed has no relevance to scientific breeding or genetic improvement.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Answer: 1 and 2 only.

One-line wrap: Recognition of the Asomi sheep highlights the link between indigenous genetic resources, livestock biodiversity and rural livelihoods.