In a significant boost to Assam’s farming and scientific community, two indigenous poultry breeds—the Nagi duck and the Rajdigheli goose—have received national recognition from the National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR) under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). With their formal inclusion in India’s national livestock and poultry register, these breeds now carry an official genetic identity of Assam at both national and international levels.
For generations, rural households across Assam have reared these birds as part of traditional farming systems, quietly contributing to food security and livelihoods without formal recognition. This long-awaited acknowledgment validates decades of indigenous knowledge and conservation efforts by local farmers.
Nagi Duck: A Success Story from Barak Valley
Predominantly found in Assam’s Barak Valley, especially in Cachar and Sribhumi districts, the Nagi duck earned its recognition after nearly 25 years of extensive research and documentation. Known for its hardiness, adaptability, and productivity, the breed can lay around 150 eggs annually, making it an important income source for small and marginal farmers.
The research journey began under an ICAR ad hoc project led by Dr. Galib Uz Zaman, former Professor and Head of the Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding at the College of Veterinary Science, Khanapara. The work was supported by senior scientists Professor Jogadev Mahanta, Professor Arpana Das, Dr. Bedanta Pathak, and guided institutionally by Dr. Niranjan Kalita, Vice-Chancellor of Assam Veterinary and Fishery University.
Rajdigheli Goose: Preserving Rural Heritage
Equally noteworthy is the recognition of the Rajdigheli goose, an indigenous breed traditionally nurtured in Assam’s rural households. The registration was achieved through the dedicated efforts of Professor and Head Dr. Bula Das, along with Dr. Arundhati Phukan and Dr. Ankita Gogoi from the College of Veterinary Science, Khanapara. Strategic leadership from Dr. Niranjan Kalita and Dr. Prabodh Bora, Director of Research, played a key role in achieving the milestone.
Why This Recognition Matters
According to scientists involved, this recognition goes far beyond symbolism. It enables:
- Access to conservation funding
- Development of structured breeding programmes
- Scientific interventions to improve productivity while preserving genetic purity
- Better access for farmers to government schemes
- Opportunities to market poultry and eggs with a distinct regional identity
At a time when climate change, disease outbreaks, and indiscriminate crossbreeding threaten indigenous species, experts stress that protecting native genetic resources is essential for sustainable agriculture and long-term food security.
Assam has previously seen several indigenous cattle, buffalo, pig, and poultry breeds registered with NBAGR, largely due to consistent research efforts at the College of Veterinary Science, Khanapara. The addition of the Nagi duck and Rajdigheli goose further strengthens the state’s standing in India’s animal genetic resource landscape.
For farmers across Barak Valley and other parts of Assam, this recognition brings renewed hope—hope that the birds raised in backyards, wetlands, and village ponds will finally receive the attention, protection, and value they truly deserve.
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