New goat farm in Baitadi aims to provide mass employment

Baitadi / July 29: A goat farm has come into operation at Gwalek, Baitadi district.

Owned by Suresh Chand of Dasarathchand, in Municipality-9, the farm – named ‘Gwallek Agro Farm Pvt’ – aims to raise goats of advanced breeds.

Brought into service with the investment of Rs. 50 million, the farm is housing goats of Sirohi and Totapari breeds brought from Rajasthan, India.

There are around 150 goats in the farm. The average weight of a goat with long ears is 80 kg to 90 kg, while that of Sirohi goat named ‘Bheem’ is 180 kg.

Chand, who is a construction businessman by profession, said that the idea of raising goats in the village came to his mind during the coronavirus crisis.

The farm, which started its operation with goats of local Khari breed, now boasts a modern four-storey concrete house.

There are currently 92 pregnant goats of Sirohi breed, with 25 he-goats ready for sale.

At present, six people, including an animal health technician, have found employment in the goat farm.

Animal technician Naveen Bhatta said that goats are regularly checked on to ensure sound health.

The goats are fed with maize silage, wheat husk, local grass and piña in the farm.

Bhatta said that Sirohi goats, which eat local grass as well as those found in the forest, were growing healthy.

Six locals have been employed to graze goats, clean farm and cut grass.

Chand, the farm owner, said that the farm was started with the aim of discouraging village youths from going abroad for employment.