Goats are like ATMs, says Gujarat minister, hails it as the best option for small farmers

“Due to erratic monsoon, small farmers face a lot of risks. In such a situation, animal husbandry can help. Goat breeding is an income source for small farmers and landless poor. They can also be reared in hilly regions and goat breeding is the best option where only a small investment is needed,” he said in response to a question asked by BJP MLA Fatehsinh Chauhan during the Question Hour.

Adding that “goats are called the poor man’s cow”, the minister said, “Goat’s milk can treat many diseases. In the state, 70 per cent of the goats and sheep are reared by small and marginal farmers.”

“There is an estimated 48.67 lakh goat population in the state,” the minister said, adding that the state government provides financial assistance to set up goat breeding units. He said one goat breeding unit — consisting of 10 female goats and a male goat — costs Rs 90,000 of which 50 per cent of the cost is borne by the government.