PESHAWAR: The world’s finest and warmest wool produced by Angora rabbits has found a market in the shawl-making village of Islampur in Swat valley, say officials.

Dr. Waheedullah, director of Angora Rabbits Breeding Project, told Dawn that domestic rabbits with long, soft and wooly fur of Turkish origin could be bred by women in houses without extra labour and could become a good source of income for family.

“The Angora wool, one of the most expensive ones and produced in and around villages in Abbottabad, has already found a market in Islampur (Swat). However, procuring of huge amounts of wool at the moment is a problem as people are slowly learning about the financial benefits of this small furry creature,” he said.

The official said under the project, free rabbits were provided to the local residents interested in rearing them for wool.

He said once the people were able to produce enough wool, they’re engaged with a non-governmental organisation, Sungi Development Foundation, for the formation of an association to collect and market it.

“At the moment there is a huge demand but we’re still not in a position to meet it. The people have just begun rearing rabbits. It will take time to meet the demand and once it happens, it will bring a huge financial benefit for the people,” he said.

The official said the livestock and dairy development department had established a model farm for the breeding of Angora rabbits at the cost of Rs10 million.

He said Angoras bred mainly for silky, soft wool would contribute to the economic resources of the province.

Meanwhile, an official report issued here by the livestock and dairy development department issued here on Monday said the department had established 53 state-of-the-art veterinary hospitals throughout the province at an estimated cost of Rs350 million during the last three years, while Rs105.35 million was spent on the renovation and up-gradation of the existing veterinary facilities.

Also, Rs120 million was spent on the expansion and breeding of purebred buffalos and up-gradation of dairy technologies, while 160 new animal dispensaries were established across the province.

According to the three years performance report issued by the directorate of livestock and dairy development, steps are underway to ensure better breeding of animals, establishment of meat animal farms, construction of veterinary hospitals, and associating of dairy products with mainstream markets to increase production.

The measures have also been taken for the training of farmers and staff associated with the livestock sector.

“A total of Rs60 million has been spent on training the staff of the livestock department, as well as livestock farmers. In order to reach farmers in far-flung areas, the livestock department conducted over 1,442 field days throughout the province in which 30,702 farmers were provided trainings and advices on effective management and breeding of their animals.”

According to the report, 6.3 million animals were treated in veterinary hospitals, whereas vaccines were administered to 6.28 million animals.

Also, 20.09 million vaccines were given in poultry sector, while 927,067 artificial inseminations were carried out in the cattle during the last three years.

In the research sector, the livestock department established the Livestock Research and Development Station in Lower Dir at a cost of Rs247.605 million. The facility has analytical laboratory for animals helping in the genetic improvement of Achai cattle and Azakhali buffaloes, improvement of the management practices of farmers through awareness and encouragement of farmers to use improved feeding practices.

Published in Dawn, October 11th, 2016