Government Pushes ‘Vyavastha Parivartan’ Agenda with PEHEL Project to Secure Sustainable Livelihoods for Pastoralists: CM Sukhu.
Shimla:
Reinforcing its commitment to inclusive and sustainable development under the vision of “Vyavastha Parivartan,” the Himachal Pradesh Government has launched a comprehensive initiative aimed at transforming the livelihoods of the State’s pastoralist community. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced that the government has approved an ambitious project titled “Sustainable Small Ruminant and Empowered Himalayan Shepherds under Pastoralists Employment in Himalayan Ecosystems for Livelihoods (PEHEL).”
The Chief Minister said that pastoralists are a vital pillar of Himachal Pradesh’s rural and mountain economy, and the present government is undertaking sustained, strategic reforms to ensure their economic security, resilience, and long-term sustainability. He emphasized that PEHEL reflects the core spirit of Vyavastha Parivartan by combining livelihood enhancement with ecological conservation, modernization of traditional pastoral practices, preservation of indigenous breeds, and the creation of strong market linkages.
Focus on Livelihood Security and Ecological Balance
CM Sukhu stated that the primary objectives of the PEHEL project are to secure pastoral livelihoods, strengthen the rural economy, preserve ecological balance in high-altitude regions, modernize pastoral systems, and conserve indigenous small ruminant breeds. He noted that Himachal Pradesh, home to a large population of migratory sheep and goat herders, would benefit significantly from a focused and forward-looking Small Ruminant Development Policy.
Breed Improvement and Modern Technology
The project envisages comprehensive breed improvement through the introduction of superior germplasm and the establishment of model sheep and goat farms based on advanced rearing practices. To boost productivity and economic viability, modern technologies such as digital livestock registration, structured cross-breeding, genetic improvement programmes, artificial insemination, and mobile veterinary services will be integrated into the sector.
Special emphasis will be placed on the conservation and strengthening of indigenous breeds such as Gaddi sheep and goats, Rampur Bushari sheep, and Chegu goats, ensuring the protection of their genetic diversity and natural adaptability to the Himalayan ecosystem.
Market Access, Incentives and Social Security
Recognizing the importance of assured market access, the government will develop infrastructure to market pastoral products including wool, goat milk, butter, and meat. Measures such as wool quality certification, promotional mechanisms, and improved value chains will be introduced to enhance returns for pastoralists. The policy also includes provisions for financial incentives, insurance coverage, and social security, with special safeguards for pastoral communities protecting sensitive border areas.
Training, Youth Empowerment and Digital Initiatives
The Chief Minister said that pastoralists, breeders, and youth would be empowered through targeted training programmes, awareness campaigns, and extension services to promote best practices and encourage entrepreneurship. A major digital component of the project is the ‘Bhed Bakri Owners Digital Herd Identification (BODHI)’, which will operate through a web platform and mobile application to ensure accurate breeder profiling, livestock ownership records, and mapping of migratory routes.
Genetic-Led Upliftment and Policy Assurances
The PEHEL project also introduces genetic-led animal upliftment and resilience initiatives, adopting a dual breeding strategy for both migratory and stationary sheep populations, estimated at around 6.4 lakh in the State. For migratory flocks, particularly Gaddi sheep, structured cross-breeding with Merino and Rambouillet breeds will be undertaken to enhance productivity.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to pastoral communities, CM Sukhu directed the Forest Department to refrain from interfering with the customary grazing rights of the Gaddi community. He also announced that the government is considering an increase in the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for wool in the forthcoming State Budget to further strengthen pastoral incomes.
A Step Towards Sustainable Development
Summing up, the Chief Minister said that the PEHEL project aims to build a sustainable, resilient, and remunerative small ruminant sector in Himachal Pradesh. He added that the initiative would secure pastoral livelihoods, strengthen the rural economy, and preserve the fragile ecological balance of high-altitude regions, truly reflecting the spirit and intent of Vyavastha Parivartan.
