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15 March 2022.
Introduction:
Recently, a special convention was organized at Upleta town of Rajkot district for Gujarat’s donkey breeders.
About the convention
- The purpose of the special convention is to spread awareness among the pastoral community about Halari donkeys and help them appreciate the animal’s worth.
- Union minister of fisheries, animal husbandry, and dairying, Parshottam Rupala, and donkey breeders from various districts of Gujarat will attend the convention.
- Scientists from ICAR institutes such as the National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR) and the National Research Centre on Equines also joined the convention.
About Sahjeevan
The convention is being organized by a voluntary organization called Sahjeevan, which is working for the welfare of Gujarat’s pastoral community. Sahjeevan emphasizes the issues of the pastoral community such as getting the pastoral community’s census done, understanding their livelihood issues, etc.
About Halari donkey breed
- Halari donkeys are white and are native to Gujarat’s Saurashtra region.
- They are very docile and are used as pack animals during the migration of pastoralists and also for transportation as donkey carts. One foal (baby donkey) is valued at Rs 1 lakh and their milk is priced at around Rs 150 to Rs 250 per liter.
- The donkey milk contains a high level of antioxidants, which makes it invaluable for use in cosmetic and pharmaceutical products.
- Halari donkey is an endangered species. A survey conducted in 2021-22 showed that the number of Halari donkeys in Saurashtra dipped to 439 down from 1,200 as found in the survey of 2015.