The Himachal Pradesh government has approved an initiative to support the State’s pastoralist community through the ‘Sustainable Small Ruminant and Empowered Himalayan Shepherds under Pastoralists Employment in Himalayan Ecosystems for Livelihoods’ (PEHEL) project, aimed at ensuring growth and long-term sustainability.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Friday (January 16, 2026) said the objective of the project was to secure livelihoods, strengthen the rural economy, preserve ecological balance in high-altitude regions, modernise traditional pastoral systems and conserve indigenous small ruminant breeds.
“Himachal, with its substantial population of migratory sheep and goat herders, stands to benefit immensely from a focused and forward-looking Small Ruminant Development Policy. The project aims to work towards comprehensive breed improvement through the introduction of superior germplasm and the establishment of farms modelled on advanced sheep and goat rearing practices. To enhance productivity and economic sustainability, the government plans to integrate modern technologies such as digital registration of livestock, structured cross-breeding, genetic improvement programmes, artificial insemination and mobile veterinary services,” he said in a statement.
