Once threatened, the pure Deccani breed sheep are finding their feet again, thanks to the unique conservation effort, done on a scientific basis with local shepherds acting as gene-keepers. With the revival efforts of the pure breed in Medak district, as also in Maharashtra, the market for traditional “gongadi” (blanket) with the Deccani sheep wool is again shoring up. Those involved in the conservation efforts said gongadis are slowly catching the fancy of Hyderabad residents.
Known for its black wool and its gene pool, the Deccani breed was affected by crossbreeding with various other indigenous species of sheep. Besides Andhra Pradesh, the Deccani breed is found in Karnataka, Maharash-tra and parts of northern Tamil Nadu along the Deccan plateau. S. Ashalatha from the organisation Anthra, which is actively working on the conservation project in Medak, said: “Shepherds over the years selected this breed for its tolerance to drought, fodder and water shortage, as well as the capacity to migrate long distances and ability to endure large variations in temperature. The wool has traditionally been spun into yarn by women and woven by men into blankets.
“Now, with Hyderabad residents again asking for small gongadis, the market for the special wool blanket is showing a positive sign.” According veterinary scientist and Anthra director, Sagari R. Ramdas, import of cheap wool from Australia and Europe not only saw the local wool market go bust but also resulted in loss of the Deccani breed. “We are mobilising local communities to conserve the Deccani breed and Osmanabadi goat breed, native to the Deccan plateau,” Ms Ramdas said. “About 400 pastoral and agro-pastoral families across 24 villages in Hathnura, Jinnaram, Narasapur, Narayankhed and Shivampet mandals of Medak are involved in the project.” She said these are among the few remaining areas in the state that continue to have a significant number of sheep of “pure Deccani breed”.