Assam farmer Jitul Buragohain honoured with National Breed Conservation Award

Jitul Buragohain of Lakhimpur district has received the Breed Conservation Award 2025 from the ICAR–National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR), Karnal, for his contribution to conserving the indigenous Luit (Swamp) buffalo.

Buragohain has consistently maintained the genetic purity of Luit buffalo through traditional knowledge, careful selection, and sustainable breeding practices. A significant boost to Luit buffalo conservation came in 2025, when the ICAR-NBAGR Network Project on Animal Genetic Resources, implemented at the Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, College of Veterinary Science, Assam Veterinary and Fishery University, Guwahati, initiated promotion of this unique buffalo germplasm, a press release stated.

Key points:

• Jitul Buragohain, a farmer from Assam, received the National Breed Conservation Award.
• The ICAR–National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR), located in Karnal, Haryana, has conferred upon Buragohain the Breed Conservation Award 2025.
• The award recognises his efforts in conserving indigenous livestock breeds.
• He has played an important role in protecting and promoting native pig breeds of Assam.
• His achievement brings national recognition to Assam’s traditional livestock conservation practices.