ICAR-CCARI, Goa hosts expert team from ICAR-NBAGR, Karnal for breed verification of indigenous Gomanchali buffalo in Goa

    A team of experts from the ICAR–National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (ICAR-NBAGR), Karnal, visited Goa during 21–23 July 2026 for the breed verification of the proposed Gomanchali buffalo, a non-descript indigenous buffalo population of Goa, as part of its breed registration process.The NBAGR team, comprising Dr. R. S. Kataria (Principal Scientist) and Dr. Amod Kumar (Senior Scientist) was accompanied by the ICAR–Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-CCARI), Old Goa team consisting of Dr. Amiya Ranjan Sahu, Dr. Shirish D. Narnaware, Dr. Gokuldas P. P, Dr Nibedita Nayak and Dr. Sanjaykumar Udharwar. The breed verification was carried out with the active coordination and support from the Department of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services, Government of Goa, and buffalo rearing farmers.

    During the three-day field visit, the expert team visited representative buffalo-rearing villages across the major breeding tract of Goa covering Salcete, Quepem, Sanguem, Bicholim, Pernem, Bardez, Tiswadi, Ponda and Sattari talukas. The expert team interacted with buffalo rearing farmers and examined the animals to assess their phenotypic characteristics, geographical distribution, management practices, and unique breed attributes.The team interacted extensively with buffalo farmers to document breed-specific characteristics, production and management practices, and the socio-economic importance of the indigenous buffalo population. The field observations and stakeholder interactions could generate valuable scientific evidence to support the evaluation and national recognition of the proposed Gomanchali buffalo as a distinct breed through its registration.

    The successful completion of the field verification represents a significant step towards the recognition of the Gomanchali buffalo as a distinct indigenous buffalo breed of Goa and reinforces the collaborative efforts of ICAR-CCARI, ICAR-NBAGR, and the Department of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services, Government of Goa, in conserving the state's valuable native livestock genetic resources.