Nabarangpur,29th Aug 2025: The unique indigenous goat breed of Raighar block in Nabarangpur district is still awaiting national recognition. Though research on this goat has been going on for the last nine years, national accreditation has not yet been achieved. Being of superior quality, the Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) has been continuously striving to secure official recognition for this breed.
Research has confirmed that Raighar block has its own distinct native goat species. These goats are found not only in Nabarangpur district but also in the neighboring districts of Kalahandi, Nuapada, and even in Chhattisgarh’s Garibandh and Devbhog regions. This goat, usually grey in color with a mix of black and white shades, has stronger disease resistance compared to other breeds, said livestock specialist and Assistant District Veterinary Officer, Dr. Prashant Kumar Samal. These goats are less prone to diseases, cost very little to rear, and mainly survive on wild grasses and shrubs.
For generations, tribal communities like the Gond, Bhatra, and Gauda have been rearing these goats. Especially for landless poor tribal families, this goat is a primary source of livelihood. The goats reach maturity within 9–10 months. They give birth every 7–8 months, usually delivering 2–3 kids at a time.
Within a year, the kids weigh 17–18 kg. The breed reproduces rapidly, with adult goats weighing up to 32 kg. Female goats yield about half a liter to one liter of milk daily. Around 48% of their body weight is marketable meat, which is highly demanded due to its taste. Each goat produces nearly 200 kg of manure annually—two and a half times stronger than cow dung as fertilizer. Hence, efforts are on to secure national breed recognition, said Dr. Samal.
Jaylal Sunani of Rengabhati village in Raighar said that he bought three female goats a year ago. Within three months, they delivered two kids each. Currently, a single goat is sold for ₹12,000–₹15,000. Due to its delicious meat, there is high demand in the market. Most tribal households in the block rear 10–15 goats. During festive seasons, meat traders collect goats directly from farmers and sell them in the market at a good profit.
OUAT has recommended that apart from granting breed recognition, conservation of this goat is crucial. Farmers should also be given training in scientific goat-rearing practices so that the breed can be preserved while also sustaining tribal livelihoods. All research reports have already been submitted to the National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR).
Unfortunately, while many other regional livestock breeds in India have been nationally recognized, the Raighar goat is still left out. On this matter, Nabarangpur MP Balabhadra Majhi said that conserving this high-quality goat is necessary and a matter of pride for the district. He assured that he will make efforts to secure national recognition for the Raighar goat.