Recommendations accepted by the participants of the International Conference + Workshop on Local Livestock Breeds for Sustainable Rural Livelihood
Udaipur and Sadri, 1 - 4 November, 2000

Acknowledging the diverse roles of indigenous animal breeds for sustainable rural livelihood in India: food security, soil fertility, draught power, social and cultural assets, source of income and savings. In marginal areas especially, we have to be conscious of the threat to domestic animal diversity (government policies, economic pressure, increasing poverty and cultural erosion) and concerned about the lack of awareness among the stakeholders.

1. Policy changes in:
• Access to resources
• Emphasising the curriculum for veterinary + animal husbandry scientists and extension workers on bio-diversity and conservation of indigenous breeds breeding policy reviews through consultative processes involving all stakeholders formulation of land use plans that guarantee land use rights for indigenous livestock keepers
2. Concerted actions by NGOs, CBOs and communities in:
• Networking, documentation, awareness raising and dissemination of information about the situation and advantages of indigenous breeds
• Improvement of marketing (niches) for the products of indigenous breeds
• Development of local institutions + breeding organisations
3. Changing / expanding research towards the needs of poor livestock keepers towards achieving:
• An improved economic situation of livestock keepers
• Legal recognition of indigenous breeds as national assets
• Maintenance of Indian domestic animal diversity (DAD) for the benefit of future generations