Tajikistan's Giant Hissar Sheep Helping Farmers Combat Land Degradation

Tajikistan's giant Hissar sheep, prized for their profitability and adaptability to climate change, are helping farmers combat land degradation and provide a plentiful supply of mutton. The largest Hissar rams can weigh over 210 kilograms, and they can yield meat and fat of around two-thirds of their total weight, making them highly profitable for farmers.

Shepherd Bakhtior Sharipov was observed tending to his flock of the large sheep in the hills outside the Tajik capital Dushanbe. The Hissar breed is celebrated in Tajikistan, which faces a shortage of both meat and suitable grazing land. The sheep are able to rapidly gain weight even in harsh conditions with limited water and pasture.

The Hissar sheep are unique in their ability to wander up to 500 kilometers in search of grazing land between seasons, helping pastures in different regions regenerate. This is vital as the region faces serious land degradation, with around 20% of the land already degraded, affecting 18 million people.

Why this matters: The Hissar sheep's adaptability and regenerative grazing habits offer a potential solution to the pressing issue of land degradation in Central Asia. As demand for the breed grows both domestically and internationally, Tajik farmers have an opportunity to boost their livelihoods while promoting sustainable land management practices.

Demand for Hissar sheep is growing not only in Tajikistan but also in neighboring countries, and Tajik breeders are intent on staying ahead in the competition to produce the largest and most profitable sheep. The Hissar sheep are also prized for their flavor, making them a crucial component in Central Asian cuisine. "Hissar sheep are in high demand now," said Ibrokhim Bobokalonov, a scientist and Hissar sheep breeder. "We aim to produce even heavier sheep through natural feeding methods."

Key Takeaways

• Tajikistan's Hissar sheep help combat land degradation and provide mutton.
• Hissar sheep can weigh over 210 kg and yield 2/3 of their weight in meat and fat.
• Hissar sheep can rapidly gain weight in harsh conditions, wandering 500 km for grazing.
• Hissar sheep's adaptability offers a solution to land degradation in Central Asia.
• Demand for Hissar sheep is growing domestically and internationally for their flavor.