Asomi, the Sheep

It is very heartening that Assam's indigenous 'Asomi' sheep breed has received national recognition from ICAR-NBAGR, thus becoming the 11th registered indigenous animal or poultry breed from Assam to get this important tag. With this recognition, scientists have confirmed that there are now as many as 48 sheep breeds in the country, among which 46 are indigenous and one synthetic breed. The team of four researchers, led by Prof. Galib Uz Zaman from the College of Veterinary Science of the erstwhile Assam Agricultural University (AAU) - which, since February 2024, has been bifurcated from AAU and reconstituted as Assam Veterinary and Fishery University (AVFU) - must be specially congratulated for the effort and hard work they put in to obtain this important recognition. The indigenous Asomi sheep breed from Assam is special because it is naturally resistant to many diseases, thrives on basic grass without special food, and is capable of birthing twice in a year.  Other key features of the Asomi breed include its adaptability to the local climatic conditions of Assam and its vital traditional support for creating hundreds of rural livelihoods through sheep rearing. The national recognition, on the other hand, will help encourage scientific breeding, genetic improvement and systematic conservation of the indigenous breed. This recognition may also provide farmers and livestock rearers with better access to technical support, improved breeding practices and institutional assistance. Moreover, improved productivity and wider market opportunities could help increase the income of rural households dependent on sheep rearing.