Established by the Government of Nepal on Chaitra 20, 2040 B.S., under the name Goat Development Farm, Budhitola, the facility was later renamed in Shrawan 2075 B.S. as the Goat Genetic Resource Center, Budhitola. It is located in Ward No. 4 of Godawari Municipality in Kailali District, under the jurisdiction of Sudurpaschim Province.

Geographic Location

The center is situated at an altitude of approximately 1,200 meters above sea level. It lies adjacent to the Dhangadhi–Dadeldhura section of the Bhimdatta Highway, between the Chure hills and the Mahabharat range. The center is 25 kilometers north of Attariya Chowk, a major junction on the East-West Highway (Mahendra Highway), and approximately 40 kilometers from the district headquarters in Dhangadhi. It is surrounded by forested areas on all sides, creating a natural and peaceful environment.

Institutional Significance

This center operates under the federal government and is regarded as the only model goat development farm in the country, equipped with essential infrastructure and resources necessary for genetic improvement and goat farming advancement.

Early Operations

Since its establishment, the center has been providing services to various stakeholders, including:

• District Livestock Service Offices

• Government and non-government organizations

• Farmer groups and cooperatives

• Individual goat farmers across Nepal

The services initially included:

• Distribution of local and improved goat breeds such as Jamunapari and Barbari

• Introduction and dissemination of goat farming technologies

• Supply of improved grass seeds and fodder saplings

Current Focus Areas

At present, the center focuses on the breeding and distribution of:

• Pure Khari goats for productivity improvement

• Pure Boer goats

• Cross-bred Boer goats (with varying Boer breed percentages)

These improved breeds are made available to interested farmers and livestock producers as part of the center's ongoing genetic enhancement program.

Farm Facilities and Infrastructure

The Goat Genetic Resource Center occupies a total area of 14.15 hectares and includes the following infrastructure:

• 6 goat sheds

• 1 administrative/office building

• 2 residential buildings for staff

• 2 additional staff quarters

• 1 storage facility

Additionally, there was 1 training building, which was destroyed during the conflict period. As the building was located beneath a high-tension power line, the Nepal Electricity Authority provided compensation, which has already been deposited into the Government of Nepal’s revenue account.

Introduction of Boer Goat Breed

To support genetic improvement through cross-breeding with Khari goats, the center initiated the introduction of the Boer breed in Fiscal Year 2072/073 B.S. Under the Agriculture and Food Security Project, 25 female and 3 male pure Boer goats were imported from Australia. This has laid the foundation for producing crossbred kids with desirable productivity traits.

Fodder and Feed Management

The center has developed a robust forage production system to support its livestock. It produces:

• Seasonal grasses (winter and summer)

• Perennial grasses

• Other improved forage varieties

These resources collectively meet the dietary requirements of approximately 300 goats on average.

In addition, around 5,000 fodder trees and plants have been cultivated within the premises. These include species such as:

Kutmiro, Tanki, Kabhro, Timilo, Ipil-Ipil, Paiyu, Harro, Khanew, Bhimal, Koiralo, Tusare, Kimbu, Jamuna, Banjh, Bedulo, Bakaino, Mendula, Bhatmase, among others.

These species contribute to goat nutrition and also enhance the ecological value and visual appeal of the center.

Grazing Challenges

In earlier years, open spaces and nearby forested areas provided adequate grazing grounds. However, recent developments have led to significant challenges in maintaining traditional grazing systems. These include:

• Rapid expansion of human settlements

• Increase in livestock population

• Conversion of open grazing areas into community forests

• Ongoing expansion of community-managed forest zones

• Absence of organized grazing management systems

Due to these constraints, all goats, except for two groups of Khari goats, are now raised under a full stall-feeding system.

Future Needs and Policy Considerations

Looking ahead, it appears inevitable that all goats at the center will need to be raised under a stall-fed (confined) system. In light of this, the following measures have become essential:

• Expansion of available land area to accommodate the increasing livestock population

• Development of high-quality, nutritious pasture lands within the center

• Policy-level planning and support to ensure long-term sustainability and genetic improvement in goat farming

These requirements are critical to addressing current challenges and securing the future of goat genetic resource development in Nepal.