The 200kg sheep breed in Tajikistan helps cope with climate change

Hissar sheep are a rich source of food and also contribute to improving the soil ecosystem thanks to their ability to travel long distances to forage .

The large Hissar sheep breed, characterized by two blocks of fat on the back , is highly appreciated for its profitability and ability to adapt to climate change. They are increasingly popular in the Central Asian country of Tajikistan, which is facing difficulties due to lack of meat and suitable pastures for raising livestock, AFP reported on April 28. "They gain weight quickly even when there is little water and grass," said Bakhtior Sharipov, a shepherd with a flock of about 250 sheep.

Hissar sheep stand in the yard of a biotechnology center near the town of Hissar, western Tajikistan, March 27, 2024. (Photo: AFP/Amir Isaev).

Amid severe agricultural land degradation caused by years of overgrazing and global warming, the resilient Hissar sheep are a boon to Tajikistan's farmers and provide an abundant source of meat for consumers . "The sheep weigh an average of 135kg. It's the end of winter so they don't weigh much, but they will gain weight quickly ," Sharipov said about his Hissar sheep. Meanwhile, the largest Hissar sheep weigh more than 210kg.

With the ability to yield about two-thirds of their total weight in meat and fat - more than most other sheep breeds, including those that cost more to eat - Hissar sheep can be highly profitable for farmers.

"This is a very unique breed of sheep, first of all because of its weight. Additionally, they never stay in one place, so they contribute to improving the soil ecosystem ," said Sharofzhon Rakhimov, a member of the Institute of Agricultural Sciences. Tajikistan industry, explained. They can travel up to 500km to find places to graze between seasons, allowing grasslands in different areas to regenerate.

Degrading soil quality is one of the main environmental challenges facing Central Asia. According to a United Nations report, about 20% of the region's land is degraded, affecting 18 million people. This area is about 800,000km2 ^, equivalent to the area of ​​Turkey. In addition, dust rising from the dry ground can cause cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.

As land becomes increasingly degraded and affects their livelihoods, many farmers choose to migrate. In such a context, Hissar sheep, with their ability to grow well in harsh conditions, are of special interest to Tajikistan.

At a biotechnology center near the capital of Tajikistan, scientist and breeder Ibrokhim Bobokalonov took genetic samples from the best Hissar sheep in the hope of creating the biggest, most profitable sheep. Last year, a sheep weighing up to 230kg appeared in an agricultural competition in Kazakhstan, setting a Guinness World Record.

"Demand for Hissar sheep is growing not only in Tajikistan but also in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Turkey, Azerbaijan, China, even the US ," Bobokalonov said.