Mysuru: Animal husbandry and veterinary services deputy director Nagaraj said 50 acres have been identified in Kamplapura village of Periyapatna taluk for the proposed Bandur Sheep Research Centre. He said the facility will be developed on the lines of the existing Bandur Sheep Breeding Centre at Dhanagur in Malavalli taluk, Mandya district, and that work will commence soon.The state govt has sanctioned the Mysuru centre to conserve and develop the native Bandur sheep breed, which is valued for its tender, juicy, high-quality meat. The move comes amid rising demand for Bandur mutton and concern over protecting this indigenous livestock resource.Chief minister Siddaramaiah announced the state’s second research centre for the breed in the budget last week.Officials called the project an important step towards conserving native livestock and promoting local agricultural development and rural prosperity. They said the centre will support long-term survival of the Bandur breed through scientific breeding, improved health care, better nutrition and effective disease management. It will also work to improve productivity and encourage sustainable rearing practices.The initiative is expected to create better income opportunities for sheep rearers in Mysuru and nearby areas. Through research, training and extension services, farmers are likely to gain access to improved rearing methods and technical guidance, strengthening rural livelihoods dependent on livestock.Demand for Bandur sheep is strong in Karnataka’s urban markets, with hotels, meat traders and households paying higher rates. Bandur mutton is sold at Rs 800 per kg, a premium that makes the breed more profitable than wide local varieties. Interest is also rising as the breed is recognised as a unique local genetic resource.More farmers are turning to Bandur rearing with support from govt programmes and the proposed research centre. Officials said the centre will help maintain breed purity, promote scientific breeding and improve management practices. With strong demand and official backing, Bandur sheep are set to remain a key livestock resource.
