Cloned Pashmina goat a visitor at J&K chief minister's office

Srinagar (Jammu & Kashmir, India), May 9 (PTI) Chief Minister Omar Abdullah of the northern Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir had an unusual visitor at his office this morning - Noori, the world's first cloned Pashmina goat created in a rare scientific feat. Omar patted the goat and held it on his lap as he promised government support to similar projects like cloning endangered species including Hangul Deer (Kashmiri stag) and Chiru antelope. Noori was brought to the Chief Minister's office by the team of scientists which had successfully cloned the rare Himalayan goat last year at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology here. Omar highlighted the importance of biological interventions for improving livestock productivity and agriculture produce to benefit the society. Vice Chancellor Tej Pratap of the university told the Chief Minister that the team associated with cloning of Pashmina goat is now working to produce a herd of the cloned goats. "This would lead in the production in greater number and good quality of Pashmina goats," he said. Pashmina's soft wool is used for producing expensive shawls and scarves. PTI