Roots of resilience: Why India must protect its native breeds

When Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently urged the nation to protect and promote India’s native breeds of dogs, it was far more than a sentimental appeal, it was a call to safeguard our ecological identity. His message reflects a broader truth: the preservation of native species whether plants, animals, or birds is not merely an act of conservation but a foundation of sustainable development, cultural continuity, and national self-reliance.

The forgotten legacy of local breeds

India, one of the world’s 17 megadiverse countries, is home to thousands of indigenous species uniquely adapted to local climates and ecosystems. Our native cattle breeds such as Gir, Ongole, and Sahiwal are drought-resistant and thrive on minimal feed. Traditional rice varieties like Kagga and Navara withstand floods and pests. Birds like the Indian roller and grey francolin maintain ecological balance by controlling insects.

Yet, over the last few decades, we have neglected these hardy species, often in pursuit of imported “high-yield” breeds and hybrid varieties. As a result, India’s native genetic pool, once a symbol of resilience, is shrinking fast. The National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR) warns that nearly half of India’s local cattle breeds are at risk of extinction. Similar trends are seen in native seeds and bird populations.

Environmental significance: Nature’s own insurance policy

Native breeds are nature’s insurance policy against climate uncertainty. Because they evolved over centuries in specific local conditions, they are more tolerant to drought, heat, and disease. For instance, the Tharparkar cow survives in arid Rajasthan where exotic breeds fail. Indigenous trees like Neem and Peepal not only provide shade and oxygen but also enrich soil and groundwater.

Losing these species means losing nature’s self-correcting mechanisms. Exotic plants and animals often disrupt ecosystems, hybrid crops exhaust soil fertility, imported pets spread diseases, and foreign fish species such as Tilapia threaten native aquatic life. Protecting native breeds, therefore, is not nostalgia; it is ecological prudence.

Economic relevance: The power of local adaptation

The economic value of native breeds lies in their low-cost maintenance and long-term sustainability. Indigenous livestock require less water and feed, are resistant to local diseases, and can thrive without costly veterinary interventions. The milk of native cows like A2 Gir is globally valued for its nutritional content and digestibility. Similarly, local poultry breeds such as Kadaknath command premium prices for their unique flavour and protein-rich meat.

Traditional crops tell a similar story. Farmers cultivating native millet varieties incur lower input costs and earn more stability in uncertain weather. With climate change threatening global food systems, India’s native crops may hold the key to food security.

Social and cultural importance: Our living heritage

Beyond economics, native species are woven into India’s social fabric. Cow worship, sacred groves, seed-sharing rituals, and folk songs celebrating harvests all point to a deep cultural respect for biodiversity. Indigenous plants form the basis of Ayurveda and tribal medicine. Birds like the Peacock or Swan are symbols in our mythology. Losing them is losing part of who we are as a civilization.

Reviving native breeds also revives local livelihoods from tribal honey gatherers in the Western Ghats to shepherds in Kutch who rear Kankrej cattle. Preserving these species sustains both biodiversity and community identity.

Consequences of neglect: A crisis in slow motion

Neglecting native breeds has come at a heavy cost. Hybrid cattle, though higher yielding, are more disease-prone and less fertile in Indian climates. Hybrid seeds require costly chemical inputs, burdening small farmers with debt. Urbanisation and habitat loss have decimated nesting grounds for native birds. Once-common sparrows and vultures are now rare sightings.

The decline of native pollinators and seed-dispersing birds affects agriculture itself. Genetic erosion and the irreversible loss of traditional varieties weakens our resilience to pests and pandemics. In short, by abandoning our local breeds, we are undermining our food sovereignty and ecological health.

Challenges in protecting native breeds

Preservation, however, is easier said than done. The first challenge is awareness farmers and consumers often see indigenous species as inferior due to decades of policy bias favouring exotic imports. There is also a market challenge: commercial agriculture and animal husbandry systems prioritize quantity over sustainability.

Habitat loss is another major concern. Urban sprawl, deforestation, and chemical-intensive farming have destroyed the ecosystems that sustained native flora and fauna. Lack of institutional support further complicates conservation: while a few government programs exist, funding and implementation remain inadequate.

Finally, there’s a policy that disconnects environmental protection, agricultural productivity, and economic growth are often treated as separate agendas, when in fact they are deeply interlinked.

The way forward: A call for integrated action

Reviving native breeds requires integrated action through reform, participation, and research. Governments must incentivise farmers conserving indigenous species, expand biodiversity mapping, and promote local seed banks. Citizens should choose native foods, plant local trees, and support eco-friendly tourism. Scientific institutions must enhance native species’ productivity with biotechnology, safeguarding purity. Educational drives, biodiversity fairs, and ethical brands can make conservation economically viable. As the Prime Minister’s call reminds us, protecting native breeds reflects our ecological duty and national pride. True progress lies not in losing biodiversity but in sustaining India’s natural heritage for generations to come.