Himachal Agri Scientist's Gaddis Pastoralism Paper: Traditional Practices for Conservation Presented in Switzerland

Dr. Ankaj Thakur's Groundbreaking Presentation at IAHA Conference 2026

In a significant achievement for Indian agricultural research, Dr. Ankaj Thakur, an Assistant Professor at the Department of Livestock Farm Complex in Dr. G.C. Negi College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya (CSKHPKV), Palampur, has been selected to present his pioneering research paper at the prestigious IAHA Conference 2026 in Switzerland. The conference, organized by the IFOAM Animal Husbandry Alliance (IAHA) and hosted at the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL) in Frick from April 28 to 30, 2026, brings together global experts in sustainable livestock systems.7172

Dr. Thakur secured sponsorship from IFOAM – Organics International, underscoring the international relevance of his work. His paper, titled “Pastoral, Low-Input, and Resilient: Recognising Gaddi Goat Transhumance as Organic by Default,” provides compelling scientific evidence that the traditional transhumant pastoralism practiced by the Gaddi community in the north-western Himalayas adheres to organic farming principles by ecological necessity.71

Understanding the Gaddi Community and Their Transhumant Lifestyle

The Gaddis, a Scheduled Tribe primarily residing in the Chamba and Kangra districts of Himachal Pradesh, are renowned for their semi-nomadic, agro-pastoral lifestyle. Numbering around 178,000 as per recent estimates, they are one of the largest pastoral communities in the Indian Himalayas. Their economy revolves around herding sheep and goats, with Gaddi goats being a prized breed adapted to high-altitude harsh conditions.65

Transhumance, the seasonal migration of livestock between high pastures in summer and lowlands in winter, is central to their existence. This practice, honed over centuries, allows them to exploit diverse ecological niches, ensuring fodder availability amid the Himalayas' extreme climate variations. From Bharmour in Chamba, Gaddis embark on arduous migrations covering hundreds of kilometers, navigating steep terrains and weather extremes.3

The Science Behind Gaddi Pastoralism as 'Organic by Default'

Dr. Thakur's multi-year study meticulously documents how Gaddi practices align with organic standards without external inputs. Key elements include:

• No synthetic chemicals or fertilizers; reliance on natural grazing and traditional ethnoveterinary medicines derived from local plants.
• Biodiversity enhancement through rotational grazing, which prevents overgrazing and promotes native grass regeneration.
• Low stocking densities dictated by terrain, fostering animal welfare with ample movement and natural foraging.

Scientific analysis reveals that Gaddi goat milk and meat exhibit profiles comparable to certified organic products, with higher omega-3 fatty acids due to diverse forage diets.71

This 'organic by default' model emerges from ecological imperatives rather than certification, offering a blueprint for sustainable pastoralism in climate-vulnerable regions.

Conservation Impacts: Biodiversity and Ecosystem Resilience

Gaddi transhumance plays a pivotal role in Himalayan conservation. Their grazing maintains open meadows, crucial for endangered species like the Himalayan monal and snow leopard. Studies indicate that pastoral mobility prevents shrub encroachment, preserving carbon-storing grasslands.5

Moreover, Gaddis act as de facto rangeland managers, their knowledge of medicinal plants aiding biodiversity hotspots. Dr. Thakur's paper quantifies how these low-input systems build resilience against droughts and floods, exacerbated by climate change—with Himachal witnessing a 20% rise in extreme weather events over the past decade.

Challenges Threatening Traditional Gaddi Pastoralism

Despite its virtues, Gaddi pastoralism faces existential threats. Afforestation drives in Himachal Pradesh have replaced native fodder species with monoculture plantations, reducing grazing lands by up to 30% in some areas. This forces longer migrations, increasing livestock mortality.469

• Land-use conflicts with sedentary farmers and forest departments.
• Youth disinterest, leading to herd size decline—average flocks dropped 15% in the last decade.
• Climate shifts altering pasture phenology, shortening grazing seasons.

Recent surveys show a shift towards settled agriculture, eroding cultural practices.40

CSKHPKV Palampur: A Hub for Agricultural Innovation

CSKHPKV, established in 1978, is Himachal's premier agricultural university, specializing in hill farming. With over 100 faculty engaged in livestock research, it has bred resilient Gaddi goat strains and developed fodder technologies. Dr. Thakur's work exemplifies the institution's thrust on indigenous knowledge integration.71

Vice-Chancellor Dr. Ashok Kumar Panda emphasized, "This recognition reflects our commitment to globally relevant sustainable research." For aspiring researchers, opportunities abound in faculty and postdoc roles at such institutions. Explore openings at higher-ed-jobs/faculty or university-jobs.

Global Stage: Aligning with UN International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists 2026

Dr. Thakur's presentation coincides with the United Nations-declared International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP) 2026, spotlighting 500 million pastoralists worldwide. It positions Indian traditional systems as models for global organic transitions, fostering South-North knowledge exchange at FiBL.71

Policy Implications and Pathways Forward

This research advocates policy reforms like pastoral rights recognition, organic certification subsidies for Gaddis, and rangeland co-management. Himachal government initiatives, such as the Pasture Development Policy, could integrate these findings to bolster livelihoods.

Stakeholders, including NGOs and IFOAM, call for incentives preserving transhumance amid modernization pressures.

Career Insights in Livestock and Sustainable Agriculture Research

For students and professionals eyeing higher education careers, Dr. Thakur's trajectory—from research to international podiums—highlights prospects in veterinary sciences. CSKHPKV offers robust PhD programs. Check academic CV tips and research assistant jobs to launch your journey. In India, states like Himachal drive innovation—see listings at /in/himachal-pradesh.

Looking Ahead: Revitalizing Himalayan Pastoralism

Dr. Thakur's work not only elevates Gaddi voices globally but charts a resilient future for pastoralism. By bridging tradition and science, it promises enhanced conservation, livelihoods, and food sovereignty. Engage further via rate-my-professor, higher-ed-jobs, and higher-ed-career-advice. Institutions like CSKHPKV seek talents to advance such frontiers—post a job today.