Animal Breed Registration Certificate and Breed Conservation Awards Distribution Ceremony Organised

Native cattle, buffaloes, poultry, and small ruminants form the backbone of our agricultural economy. Their development is directly linked to farmers’ prosperity, resilience, and income security: Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan

14 January 2026 | New Delhi

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) organised the Animal Breed Registration Certificate and Breed Conservation Awards Distribution Ceremony today at the AP Shinde Auditorium, NASC Complex, New Delhi.

The programme was held under the esteemed presence of Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Rural Development, who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.

Other dignitaries present included Dr. M. L. Jat, Secretary (DARE) and Director General, Ms. Varsha Joshi, Additional Secretary (Dairy Development), Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Government of India, Dr. Raghavendra Bhatta, Deputy Director General (Animal Science), ICAR

The Minister, emphasised the ecological importance of livestock and the need for collective action to conserve India’s indigenous animal breeds.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Chouhan said that India’s relationship with livestock is not merely economic or nutritional, but fundamentally ecological in nature.

“It is a relationship of balance. Any disruption of this balance has direct consequences for the environment and, ultimately, for the well-being of the planet,” he said.

He expressed deep appreciation for the scientists, institutions, and farming communities working across the country to conserve indigenous breeds.

“Their efforts go far beyond livestock preservation. They are protecting biodiversity, strengthening rural livelihoods, and safeguarding the future of sustainable agriculture,” he noted.

Referring to the national initiative launched in 2019 to protect indigenous animal breeds, the Minister described it as a significant and commendable step.

“Native cattle, buffaloes, poultry, and small ruminants form the backbone of our agricultural economy. Their development is directly linked to farmers’ prosperity, resilience, and income security,” he said.

Shri Chouhan emphasised that this mission must go beyond policies and conferences and become a mass movement.

“This work cannot remain confined to policy frameworks or conference platforms alone. It must reach villages, fields, and farming households and evolve into a true people’s movement,” he stated.

He also stressed the importance of recognising those contributing to this national effort.

“Public recognition inspires participation, and participation builds momentum for long-term impact,” he said.

Calling upon the media to play a constructive role, Shri Chouhan urged greater visibility for positive work in conservation and sustainability.

“The work of those protecting life, nature, and our shared future deserves to be seen, heard, and celebrated,” he concluded.

Dr Jat, said that the vision of Viksit Bharat – Animal Dhan is centered on responsible resource use alongside long-term conservation. He highlighted the pivotal role of farmers over the past fifteen years, noting that they remain at the core of breed conservation efforts. Since 2008, 242 animal breeds have been registered. To achieve Viksit Bharat by 2047, ICAR aims for 100 percent registration of all indigenous animal breeds.

Dr Jat expressed concern over the declining cattle population compared to buffaloes due to economic considerations and stressed the need for corrective focus. He emphasized that breed registration goes beyond conservation, enabling sovereign rights over biological resources, benefit-sharing for farmers, and protection of intellectual property rights. The Zero Non-Descript Animals Mission is advancing these objectives.

Ms. Joshi also addressed the gathering.

Welcoming the delegates, Dr. Raghavendra Bhatta briefed participants on the registered breeds and highlighted the importance of their conservation for a sustainable environment.

Dr. N. H. Mohan, Director, ICAR-NBAGR, Karnal delivered the vote of thanks.
The event underscored the Government of India’s strong commitment towards the conservation, recognition and sustainable development of indigenous animal genetic resources (AnGR). During the ceremony, registration certificates were awarded to newly recognised livestock and poultry breeds, and Breed Conservation Awards were conferred upon farmers, breeders and institutions for their outstanding contributions.

The ceremony reflected the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to strengthen the livestock sector, empower farmers, enhance incomes and promote biodiversity conservation as a cornerstone of sustainable agricultural development. The programme witnessed participation from senior officials, scientists, researchers, progressive farmers and stakeholders from across the country.

Breed Conservation Awards

ICAR honoured individuals and institutions with the Breed Conservation Awards for the year 2025 in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the conservation of indigenous animal breeds. In the Individual Category, Shri Jitul Buragohain was conferred the First Prize for his exemplary efforts in conserving the Luit Buffalo, while Shri Kudala Ram Das received the Second Prize for conservation of the Punganur Cattle. Consolation Prizes were awarded to Shri Tirupati and Shri Ramachandran Kahnar for their commendable work in breed conservation.

In the Institutional Category, the Binjharpuri Cattle Promoters and Producers Society was awarded the First Prize for its significant role in conserving the Binjharpuri Cattle. The Second Prize was conferred upon the Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University for conservation of the Pulikkulam Cattle, while the Third Prize was awarded for efforts towards conservation of the Gaolao Cattle. A Consolation Prize was also presented to the Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University for its contribution to the conservation of the Mecheri Sheep.

Background

India is home to one of the world’s richest repositories of animal genetic resources, which are vital for sustainable livestock production, farmers’ livelihoods and national food and nutritional security. Recognising this, ICAR initiated the animal breed registration programme in 2008, with ICAR-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources, Karnal as the nodal agency.

Since its inception, 242 indigenous animal breeds across multiple species have been registered. To provide legal recognition and sovereign protection, the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) initiated Gazette Notifications, with eight notifications issued since 2019, covering 229 indigenous breeds. These measures safeguard against biopiracy, support benefit-sharing and enable breed-specific development policies.

In parallel, ICAR has been conferring Breed Conservation Awards since 2017 to recognise exemplary efforts by farmers, breeders and institutions in conserving indigenous animal breeds. The Animal Breed Registration Certificates and Breed Conservation Awards Distribution Ceremony – 2025 marks another significant milestone in India’s continued efforts to strengthen the livestock sector, promote conservation-led development and enhance farmers’ income.