The Central Wool Development Board (CWDB), Ministry of Textiles, in collaboration with the ICAR-Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute (CSWRI), Avikanagar, organised a one-day Chintan Shivir titled 'Challenges, Opportunities and Future Prospects of the Indian Wool Sector' at Avikanagar, Tonk district, Rajasthan, in January 2026. The primary objective was to reduce India's heavy dependence on imported fine wool — India currently imports approximately 70–80% of its fine wool requirement, largely from Australia and New Zealand — by developing a holistic, market-driven roadmap for the Indian wool value chain. The event brought together policymakers from the Ministry of Textiles, state government representatives from Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Ladakh, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Punjab, alongside research institutions, industry leaders, start-ups, and civil society. Key focus areas included: promotion of sustainable sheep rearing and improvement in native breed quality (particularly Chokla, Malpura, and Nali breeds of Rajasthan); investment in R&D in technical textiles and wool-based functional materials; development of wool processing infrastructure and cluster-based value chains; market linkage, branding, and export promotion of Indian wool under the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat frameworks; and improving livelihoods of the approximately 12 crore people dependent on sheep rearing and wool production in India. Rajasthan alone accounts for approximately 47.5% of India's total wool production, making it the country's largest wool-producing state. CSWRI Avikanagar is the premier research institution for sheep and wool in India, operating under the ICAR system. The Chintan Shivir is part of broader government efforts to revitalise the domestic wool sector and position India as a global player in sustainable wool and technical textiles.
Chintan Shivir on Indian Wool Sector Held at Avikanagar, Rajasthan: CWDB and ICAR-CSWRI Map Roadmap to Reduce Import Dependence
The Central Wool Development Board (CWDB), Ministry of Textiles, in collaboration with the ICAR-Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute (CSWRI), Avikanagar, organised a one-day Chintan Shivir titled 'Challenges, Opportunities and Future Prospects of the Indian Wool Sector' at Avikanagar, Tonk district, Rajasthan, in January 2026. The primary objective was to reduce India's heavy dependence on imported fine wool — India currently imports approximately 70–80% of its fine wool requirement, largely from Australia and New Zealand — by developing a holistic, market-driven roadmap for the Indian wool value chain. The event brought together policymakers from the Ministry of Textiles, state government representatives from Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Ladakh, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Punjab, alongside research institutions, industry leaders, start-ups, and civil society. Key focus areas included: promotion of sustainable sheep rearing and improvement in native breed quality (particularly Chokla, Malpura, and Nali breeds of Rajasthan); investment in R&D in technical textiles and wool-based functional materials; development of wool processing infrastructure and cluster-based value chains; market linkage, branding, and export promotion of Indian wool under the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat frameworks; and improving livelihoods of the approximately 12 crore people dependent on sheep rearing and wool production in India. Rajasthan alone accounts for approximately 47.5% of India's total wool production, making it the country's largest wool-producing state. CSWRI Avikanagar is the premier research institution for sheep and wool in India, operating under the ICAR system. The Chintan Shivir is part of broader government efforts to revitalise the domestic wool sector and position India as a global player in sustainable wool and technical textiles.
Key facts
- CWDB and ICAR-CSWRI organised a Chintan Shivir on Indian wool sector at Avikanagar, Tonk, Rajasthan.
- India imports 70-80% of its fine wool requirement, mostly from Australia and New Zealand.
- Rajasthan accounts for approximately 47.5% of India's total wool production — the largest wool-producing state.
- Focus areas include improving Chokla, Malpura and Nali sheep breeds native to Rajasthan.
- The shivir targets reducing import dependence through a holistic market-driven roadmap.
- Approximately 12 crore people in India depend on sheep rearing and wool production for livelihoods.
PYQPrelims/PYQ angle
- RAS 2016 Breed Improvement Programme by Rajasthan Animal Husbandry Dept — This PYQ on breed improvement in Rajasthan directly relates to the Chintan Shivir's focus on improving native sheep breeds like Chokla, Malpura, and Nali.
Mains angle
Q: Evaluate the significance of the Chintan Shivir on Indian wool sector at Avikanagar for reducing import dependence and strengthening Rajasthan's wool production leadership.
Answer (50 words):
CWDB and ICAR-CSWRI organised a Chintan Shivir at Avikanagar, Tonk district, Rajasthan to reduce India's 70-80% fine wool import dependence from Australia and New Zealand. Rajasthan contributes 47.5% of national wool production. Key priorities include improving Chokla, Malpura, and Nali breeds and strengthening livelihoods of approximately 12 crore sheep-rearing dependents.
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The Chintan Shivir at Avikanagar in Tonk district was organised by CWDB in collaboration with which research institute?
Per the article, the Chintan Shivir was organised by CWDB in collaboration with ICAR-Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute (CSWRI), Avikanagar — the premier research institution for sheep and wool in India.
Source: PIB / DevDiscourse / ICAR-CSWRI
Frequently asked questions
What is the Central Wool Development Board (CWDB) and which ministry does it fall under?
The Central Wool Development Board (CWDB) is a statutory body established to promote wool production and development in India. It functions under the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India. CWDB coordinates efforts to develop the wool sector, including sheep breed improvement, technology upgradation, and market development for wool producers across India, particularly in Rajasthan.
What is ICAR-CSWRI and where is it located?
ICAR-CSWRI stands for Indian Council of Agricultural Research — Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute. It is located at Avikanagar in Tonk district, Rajasthan. It is India's premier research institution for sheep and wool research, working on breed improvement of native sheep varieties like Chokla, Malpura, and Nali, and developing technologies to enhance wool quality and quantity in the country.
What is India's current dependence on imported wool and which countries are the major suppliers?
India currently imports approximately 70–80% of its fine wool requirement. The major supplier countries are Australia and New Zealand, which are globally renowned for their Merino and other high-quality fine wool breeds. This heavy import dependence makes India's wool industry vulnerable to international price fluctuations and supply chain disruptions, which is why the Chintan Shivir focused on building domestic fine wool production capacity.
What is Rajasthan's share in India's wool production and which sheep breeds are native to the state?
Rajasthan accounts for approximately 47.5% of India's total wool production, making it the largest wool-producing state in the country. The native sheep breeds of Rajasthan include Chokla (known for fine carpet wool), Malpura, and Nali. These breeds are adapted to Rajasthan's arid and semi-arid climate. Improving the wool quality and quantity of these breeds is a key focus of the Chintan Shivir held at Avikanagar.
How many people in India depend on sheep rearing for their livelihood and why is this significant for RPSC RAS exam?
Approximately 12 crore (120 million) people in India depend on sheep rearing and wool production for their livelihoods, largely in rural and tribal areas. For the RPSC RAS exam, this topic is significant because it connects Rajasthan's economic geography (47.5% wool production share), allied agriculture sector, rural livelihoods, import-export policy, and textile ministry initiatives — all key areas of the Rajasthan GK and general studies syllabus.
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