Australian rams to be imported by Himachal for cross-breeding

Arvind Sharma

Dharamsala, Feb 16 (PTI) The Himachal Pradesh governmentwill examine the possibility of importing Australian Marinorams to improve the wool output of Indian sheep throughcross-breeding.

This was stated by State Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumalat the 12th Gaddi Kalyan board meeting held at the DRDA Hall,Dharamshala, on Wednesday.

He said that 2,644 rams have been imported by the stateduring the past years for breeding purposes and bringing inAustralian Marino rams will also be considered, taking allaspects into consideration.

Dhumal said the state government is giving support toshepherds by fixing the price of wool at Rs 35 per kg in thesummer season, Rs 25.50 per kg during winter and Rs 55 per kgin spring.

He said the Wool Federation had been provided a revolvingfund of Rs 30 lakh to make cash payment for procurement ofwool.

He said that additionally, a 15 per cent handling chargeis being paid to the Wool Federation under the MarketDevelopment Assistance Programme.

State Industries Minister Kishan Kapoor said the BhedPalak Yojna scheme is a a boon for shepherds of the state,thanks to the liberal subsidy benefits afforded to them.

He said there was need for publicising the programmesamongst the members of the community so that the maximumnumber of people can benefit.