Ancient sheep breed and 'ecosystem guardian' under threat

In the arid grasslandsof Kutch, 70‑year‑old shepherd Mura keeps alive an ancient bond with his Patanwadi sheep — a native breed now on the brink of disappearing. As climate change reshapes monsoons and grazing lands, and as India discards most of its indigenous wool, pastoral livelihoods are collapsing. But new initiatives in Kutch are creating markets for desi wool through insulation materials, textiles and exhibitions, offering hope for communities like the Rabaris and for the survival of the Patanwadi breed.