Elevating Himalayan Pastoralism to the Global Stage

In the snow-capped realms of the north-western Himalayas, where ancient traditions meet modern science, a groundbreaking presentation is set to captivate international audiences. Dr. Ankaj Thakur, Assistant Professor at the Department of Livestock Farm Complex, Dr. G.C. Negi College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya (CSKHPKV) in Palampur, has been selected to present his pioneering research at the prestigious IFOAM Animal Husbandry Alliance (IAHA) Conference 2026 in Switzerland. This event, themed "Organic animal husbandry: a role model for the future of livestock?", will take place from April 28 to 30 at the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL) in Frick.

Dr. Thakur's paper, titled "Pastoral, Low-Input, and Resilient: Recognising Gaddi Goat Transhumance as Organic by Default," shines a light on the sustainable practices of Gaddi shepherds. These nomadic communities have perfected a low-input livestock system over centuries, relying solely on natural grazing and seasonal migrations without synthetic inputs, making their production inherently organic. This recognition comes at a pivotal time, coinciding with the United Nations' declaration of 2026 as the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP), underscoring the global importance of such systems.

CSKHPKV's Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Ashok Kumar Panda, highlighted this sponsorship from IFOAM-Organics International as a testament to the university's commitment to high-impact research in sustainable agriculture. For aspiring researchers in livestock production management, institutions like CSKHPKV offer fertile ground for innovation—check out opportunities at research jobs and higher ed jobs.

Who Are the Gaddi Shepherds?

The Gaddis, a Scheduled Tribe primarily residing in the districts of Chamba, Kangra, and Mandi in Himachal Pradesh, embody the essence of transhumant pastoralism. Known for their resilience and deep connection to the land, these shepherds migrate seasonally with their flocks of sheep and goats, traversing treacherous Himalayan terrains. The Gaddi goat (Capra hircus), a hardy breed native to this region, forms the backbone of their economy, providing meat, milk, wool, and skin.

Transhumance, defined as the seasonal movement of livestock between fixed summer and winter pastures, is central to their lifestyle. In summer, herds ascend to high-altitude meadows in Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur above 3,000 meters, grazing on alpine vegetation. Winters see them descend to lower valleys in Punjab and Jammu for milder climates and scrublands. This cyclical journey, often covering 200-300 kilometers biannually, ensures optimal forage utilization while preventing overgrazing.

Culturally, Gaddis revere Lord Shiva, with migrations often aligned to religious festivals. Their traditional attire—woolen jackets, caps, and staffs—reflects adaptation to harsh conditions. Despite comprising a significant portion of Himachal's 1.5 million-plus goat population, where Gaddi goats make up a substantial share, their numbers are declining due to modernization.

Decoding Gaddi Goat Transhumance

Gaddi goat transhumance is a sophisticated ecological adaptation. Step-by-step, the process unfolds: Preparation begins in late spring when shepherds assemble flocks of 500-1,000 animals, including goats and sheep. The upward migration (uttar charai) starts post-monsoon, navigating steep trails via traditional routes like the Sach Pass. High pastures offer nutrient-rich grasses, promoting weight gain and breeding.

Descent (dhar charai) occurs in October-November, avoiding snowfall. En route, flocks utilize community pastures, forests, and farmlands, providing natural manure in exchange for grazing rights. This symbiosis supports biodiversity, as goats selectively browse invasive species while dispersing seeds.

Dr. Thakur's multi-year study validates these practices' alignment with organic standards—no chemical fertilizers, pesticides, or GM feeds; veterinary care via ethnoveterinary remedies like turmeric pastes and herbal dewormers. Physiological resilience is evident: goats maintain body condition scores across altitudes, with cortisol levels indicating low stress.

Such systems contribute to carbon sequestration via rotational grazing, contrasting intensive farming's emissions.

Dr. Ankaj Thakur: A Pioneer in Pastoral Research

With a BVSc & AH and PhD in Livestock Production Management, Dr. Thakur joined CSKHPKV in 2017. His Google Scholar profile boasts 236 citations, focusing on animal behavior, welfare, and pastoralism. Key works include "Behavioral adaptations of Gaddi Goats" and "Welfare and Physiological Resilience of Gaddi Goats Across Altitudinal Zones."

His fieldwork involves trekking with shepherds, deploying GPS collars on goats, and analyzing blood biomarkers. This hands-on approach has led to welfare protocols for migratory goats, published in the Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science.

Previously, CSKHPKV distributed elite Gaddi breeding bucks to farmers, enhancing genetic quality. For students eyeing veterinary research, crafting a winning academic CV can open doors at places like CSKHPKV.

Core Findings: Organic by Default

Dr. Thakur's paper argues Gaddi pastoralism qualifies as organic sans certification due to inherent practices. Empirical data from 200+ goats shows zero synthetic residues, diverse forage diets boosting immunity, and low somatic cell counts in milk.

Resilience metrics: During 2024-2025 monsoons, flocks endured 20% forage loss yet maintained 85% lambing rates, far surpassing sedentary systems. Animal welfare excels in natural behaviors—browsing (45% time), social grooming—scoring high on Five Domains models.

Biodiversity impact: Rotational grazing preserves 30+ medicinal plants, aiding conservation.ResearchGate study

Research Methodologies Behind the Breakthrough

Employing mixed methods, Dr. Thakur conducted longitudinal observations across three altitudinal zones (low: <1,500m, mid: 1,500-3,000m, high: >3,000m). Tools included ethograms for behavior, body condition scoring, fecal egg counts for parasitism, and ELISA for stress hormones.

Participatory rural appraisal engaged 50 herders, mapping routes via GIS. Comparative analysis with certified organic farms revealed Gaddis' superior resilience at 40% lower inputs.

• Seasonal resource utilization validated via GPS tracking.
• Welfare audits using AWIN protocol adapted for goats.
• Nutritional profiling of 100 forage species.

This rigorous approach positions CSKHPKV as a leader in applied ethology. Explore clinical research jobs for similar impactful work.

Challenges Threatening Gaddi Transhumance

Despite strengths, Gaddis face existential threats. Climate change shortens grazing seasons by 15-20 days, causing 10-15% annual losses from avalanches. Afforestation blocks routes, while hydropower projects fragment pastures.

Youth exodus: Only 30% under-30 continue pastoralism, preferring urban jobs. Predation by leopards claims 5% flocks yearly. Permit fees and veterinary access remain hurdles.

• Land use conflicts with forestry.
• Erratic monsoons altering vegetation.
• Market volatility for meat/wool.

Government initiatives like route demarcation offer hope.Down to Earth report

Unlocking Organic Certification for Gaddis

Validating 'organic by default' could transform livelihoods. Certification enables premium pricing—20-50% higher for organic goat meat—accessing exports to EU/US.

Steps: Group certification under NPOP (National Programme for Organic Production), traceability via blockchain for migrations, participatory guarantees. Success stories like Sikkim's organic state inspire.

• Enhanced income stabilizes communities.
• Boosts eco-tourism around transhumance.
• Preserves cultural heritage.

Dr. Thakur advocates policy support for rangeland rights. For career advice in sustainable agri, visit higher ed career advice.

Implications for Global Livestock Sustainability

Gaddi model offers lessons for climate-vulnerable regions. Low-input systems cut emissions by 60% vs. feedlots, enhancing food security for 1 billion pastoralists worldwide.

In India, with 148 million goats, scaling such practices supports Atmanirbhar Bharat. Aligns with SDGs 2, 13, 15.

Stakeholders: Herders gain dignity, governments biodiversity credits, consumers ethical meat.

CSKHPKV Palampur: Hub of Livestock Innovation

CSKHPKV, established 1978, excels in hill agriculture. Livestock wing pioneers Gaddi improvement via AI, vaccinations. Recent: 14 elite bucks distributed.

Global tie-ups like IAHA elevate profiles. For faculty roles, see faculty jobs; postdocs at postdoc positions.

Photo by Edwin Petrus on Unsplash

Future Outlook Amid IYRP 2026

IAHA presentation could catalyze certifications, tech integrations like drone monitoring. Policy asks: Subsidized insurance, youth skill programs.

Optimistic: Hybrid models blending tradition-tech ensure survival. AcademicJobs.com connects talents—rate professors at Rate My Professor or find university jobs in India via India jobs.