Principles and Techniques of Veterinary and AH Extension

RABBIT DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES

• In India,rabbit farming is at the infant stage, in a few states, emerging with government assistance through rural development programmes. It is estimated that the rabbit skin constitutes more than 50 per cent of fur trade in international market. India imports about half a million rabbit fur skin annually to meet the demand of fur industry in Jammu and Kashmir state.
• The rabbit fur skin obtained as by-product from the rabbit meat production enterprise can serve as an import substitute. This can also be adopted as a cottage industry to generate employment and income to the rural masses.
• Rabbit production is a boon for the hilly regions of our country. The task force on sheep, goats and rabbit production has recommended that Angora rabbit rearing in temperate regions should be encouraged all over the country.
• Maintenance of breeding lines on scientific grounds for generating highly adaptable and high wool producing breeding stock at a central location, strengthening of extension programme to demonstrate and work hand in hand with the private breeders in implementing the managemental norms for improvement in rabbit production are to be initiated.