LUDHIANA, 24 June 2025: The popularity of goat farming is rising rapidly across India, and veterinary experts are now playing a vital role in supporting this shift. Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU), Ludhiana, recently concluded a week-long goat-farming training programme that drew enthusiastic participation from across Punjab and neighboring states.
A total of 32 farmers—including 28 men and four women—attended the programme, with some traveling from as far as Jharkhand and Himachal Pradesh. The initiative is part of the university’s broader push to strengthen rural livelihoods through modern livestock practices.
Vice Chancellor Dr. J P S Gill highlighted the university’s ongoing efforts to advance goat farming as a viable business model. He urged attendees to stay connected with GADVASU for technical knowledge and veterinary support. “Goat farming has immense potential for income generation. We are committed to helping farmers realize this opportunity,” Dr. Gill said.
Dr. R. S. Grewal, Director of Extension Education, emphasized the dual economic and ecological benefits of goat farming. “This vocation can be a game changer for small and marginal farmers. It not only boosts income but also contributes to sustainable agricultural systems,” he said.
The programme, coordinated by Dr. Jaswinder Singh, Head of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Extension Education, offered a comprehensive mix of classroom learning and hands-on experience. Farmers were trained in animal housing, feeding, breeding, health management, biosecurity, and marketing. The curriculum also touched on zoonotic disease risks, equipping farmers with critical health and safety knowledge.
Progressive goat farmer Mr. Aswar Ali from Kala Gosal village also addressed the trainees, sharing personal experiences and best practices in modern goat rearing. His session was particularly well-received, offering practical insights that added depth to the academic modules.
The training reflects a growing recognition of goat farming as an accessible, low-investment livelihood option with high returns, especially in rural and semi-urban regions. With increasing consumer demand for goat meat and dairy, and supportive academic institutions like GADVASU, more farmers are expected to embrace this path in the coming years.