KP Develops 'Ramghani' New Sheep Breed To Increase Wool Production

PESHAWAR, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 10th Dec, 2018 ) :Provincial Livestock and Dairy Development have developed a new sheep breed 'Ramghani' to fulfill high demands of quality woolen garments during winter season.

"A new sheep breed called 'Ramghani' has been developed by livestock department through cross- breeding of local 'Kaghani' sheep with exotic Rambouilett sheep breed to increase wool production in the province," officials in Livestock and Dairy Development told APP on Monday.

The new breed is famous for semi-fine woolen production to cater people's high demands of quality woolen garments during winter season.

"Ramghani sheep is spread all over Hazara and Malakand divisions and its population is more than three million, producing about 3000 metric tons of fine quality wool for the country," he said.

He regretted that a major portion of wool was being used in making of useless materials like ropes whereas a nominal portion of wool is being used in cottage industries for making of shawls, garments, caps and blankets etc.

The wastage of woolens at local level is making negative effects on overall woolen garments' production in the province, he said, adding transhumant livestock production is very important and known for specially wool and mutton animals.

If proper wool value addition and processing facilities are created in Hazara and Malakand division, he said, farmers will be encouraged and wool production will increase manifolds.

He said huge national and international markets existed for woolen garments of Pakistan in middle East and Central Asian Republics and special incentives for farmers would give further boost to woolen industry in the country.