Agri scientist to present research paper on Gaddis in Switzerland
To highlight role of traditional pastoralism in promoting conservation
A scientist of Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur, has brought international recognition to the university by securing an academic sponsorship from IFOAM – Organics International, the global umbrella organisation for the organic agriculture movement.
Dr Ankaj Thakur, Assistant Professor, Department of Livestock Farm Complex, Dr GC Negi College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, has been selected for sponsorship through the IFOAM Animal Husbandry Alliance (IAHA).
Vice-Chancellor Dr Ashok Kumar Panda stated that such international recognition reflected the high quality of research being carried out at the university and strengthened its global academic presence. He added that participation in reputed international platforms enhances knowledge exchange and positions the university as a contributor to globally relevant research in sustainable agriculture and livestock systems.
The sponsorship will support Dr Thakur’s participation in the IAHA Conference 2026, scheduled from April 28 to 30 in Switzerland. The conference will be hosted at the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL), Frick, a globally-renowned institute for research in organic agriculture and sustainable livestock production systems.
At the conference, Dr Thakur will present his multi-year research titled “Pastoral, Low-Input, and Resilient: Recognising Gaddi Goat Transhumance as Organic by Default.” The study presents scientific evidence that traditional transhumant Gaddi pastoralism in the north-western Himalaya inherently follows organic principles through ecological necessity. The research highlights the role of low-input pastoral systems in promoting animal welfare, biodiversity conservation, and resilience to changing environmental conditions, in alignment with the United Nations International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists 2026.
Dr Shivani Katoch, Head of the Department of Livestock Farm Complex, also congratulated Dr Thakur on his achievement and lauded his contribution to impactful and internationally relevant research.
