AFP
The giant sheep of Tajikistan, an ally of the environment
On the hillsides of Tajikistan, shepherd Bakhtior Charipov watches over his flock of Hissar sheep. This breed of sheep, considered the largest in the world, is gaining popularity in Central Asia, thanks to its profitability and its adaptation to climate change. Under the care of the young man, some 250 sheep with unusual physique are enjoying the first days of the spring to graze. The enormous ball of fat on their hindquarters, which characterizes them, sways to the rhythm of their movements in these pastures in the foothills of the Hissar Mountains, the cradle region of the species, west of the capital Dushanbe. They weigh on average 135 kilos It’s the end of winter so they are less heavy, but they will gain weight quickly,” Bakhtior, 18, explains to AFP, accompanied by his white dog César, a Central Asian shepherd. as imposing as its sheep. With around two million head, these sheep are one of the prides of Tajikistan, where the supply of meat and quality pastures are insufficient. “The sheep of Hissar gain weight quickly, even when they have little water and grass available,” he continues. Witness to the status enjoyed by these sheep, a golden-colored monument representing three specimens stands at the edge of the road leading to the eponymous valley, among the dozens of posters to the glory of President Emomali Rakhmon, in power since 1992. – “Improve the ecological situation” – “Farmers raise Hissar sheep for their economic profitability”, summarizes for AFP Charofjon Rakhimov, member of the Tajik Academy of Agricultural Sciences.”The Hissar is a unique breed, first of all for its weight: rams can exceed 210 kilos, with a high yield of meat and fat, approximately two-thirds of the total weight”, superior to other sheep breeds which eat more and produce less meat, Mr. Rakhimov continues. “In addition, these sheep never stay in the same place and thus contribute to improving the ecological situation of the soil. Their transhumance – they can travel up to 500 km thanks to their musculature – reduces the degradation of pastures”, explains this agronomist. Because the degradation of arable land, under the combined effect of global warming and overgrazing, is one of the main environmental challenges for Central Asia According to a November 2023 report from the United Nations, 20% of the region is already affected by this accelerating phenomenon, or around 800,000 square kilometers. equivalent to the surface area of Turkey.And more than 18 million inhabitants of Central Asia, or a quarter of the population, are affected. Land degradation, and the dust it generates, fuels cardio-respiratory diseases. and socio-economic problems, with farmers preferring to leave their lands with declining yields and emigrate. In this context, maintaining high productivity is essential. – Sheep at $40,000 – In his biotechnology center near Dushanbe, scientist Ibrokhim Bobokalonov keeps the semen of the best specimens of the breed and ensures their proper development.”The demand for Hissar sheep is increasing not only in Tajikistan, but also in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Turkey, Azerbaijan, China and even in the United States” , assures Mr. Bobokalonov.The Hissar has even become a Source of rivalry between the countries of the region: Tajikistan recently accused its neighbors of usurping the breed to cross it with other local varieties and create even heavier sheep, reaching astronomical prices. During an agricultural competition in Kazakhstan last year, a sheep from Hissar reached 230 kilos, a record according to Guinness, another was sold for $40,000 in 2021, while in Kyrgyzstan, some specimens exceed 210 kilos. So for Tajikistan, there is no question of letting itself be overtaken. “Here is Micha, he weighs 152 kilos and is worth 15,000 dollars”, congratulates Mr. Bobokalonov in front of a sheep lying on the scale, legs tied. A sum equivalent to six years of the average monthly salary in Tajikistan.”I hope that by the competition this summer, he will weigh 220-230 kilos. Just by feeding him natural products, without doping, he can gain around 800 grams per day”, assures this jovial man. An ally of the environment, Hissar is also appreciated for its taste qualities, in a region where mutton constitutes an essential culinary ingredient. “With this sheep, you can cook any Tajik national dish,” summarizes Oumedjon Youldachev, buyer at the Hissar market.bk/cat/ktr
