Bhubaneswar: “Goat farming is a lifeline for thousands of smallholder farmers in Odisha. The Odisha government is committed to strengthening this sector by expanding veterinary support, encouraging farmer cooperatives, and creating better market linkages. Our priority is to ensure that goat rearing becomes not just a means of survival, but a pathway to prosperity,” observed Gokulananda Mallik, Minister of State for Fisheries & Animal Resources Development, while inaugurating the International Goat Day 2025 celebrations in Bhubaneswar on Thursday. Organised by Passing Gifts, a subsidiary of Heifer International, the event was held on the theme “Herding Hope: Empowering Odisha’s Goat Farmers for a Resilient Future.” It brought together policymakers, researchers, development partners, and farmers to deliberate on strengthening goat farming, which sustains thousands of smallholder families, particularly women and tribal communities. Experts highlighted the potential of goat farming as a driver of income and nutrition security. Dr. Manish Chatli, Director, ICAR-CIRG, said Odisha could double goat productivity in the coming years through improved breeds and scientific feeding practices. Dr. Niranjan Panda, Dean Research, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT), stressed the importance of community fodder banks, climate-resilient shelters, and locally suited breeding programmes to enhance resilience and farmer incomes. The event also showcased inspiring stories of resilience. Chanchala Mahanta, a widow from Mayurbhanj, shared how goat farming enabled her to support her household, provide treatment for her ailing son, and save for emergencies. Similarly, Latamani Mahanta from Keonjhar, who began goat farming in 2015 with just a few animals, recounted her journey of transforming it into a sustainable livelihood while inspiring other women in her village. Seventeen progressive farmers from Keonjhar and Mayurbhanj were felicitated for their contributions. “Goat farming is not just about livestock—it is about resilience, income opportunities, and women’s empowerment,” said Akshaya Kumar Biswal, Program Director, Odisha, Passing Gifts, while emphasising the need for stronger linkages between government, researchers, financial institutions, and grassroots farmers. The event concluded with a collective call to develop a resilient goat farming ecosystem in Odisha, ensuring that smallholder farmers are equipped with skills, resources, and access to markets in a changing economy.
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