Equine breeding gains momentum as Gujarat’s stud farm industry experiences a surge

Gujarat's horse breeding industry is galloping ahead as the equine population along the Ahmedabad-Gandhinagar-Mehsana belt has doubled since the Covid-19 pandemic. Breeders estimate there are now over 4,000 horses in the region, compared with around 2,000 before 2020.

The growing demand for revered breeds, including Marwari, Kathiawadi, and Kutch Sindhi horses, has encouraged farmers to convert agricultural land into modern stud farms. Wealthy buyers from Ahmedabad, Surat, and Rajkot are investing in exceptionally bred and physically sound horses for sports, endurance events, and breeding preservation.

Breeders say well-bred foals can fetch prices ranging from several lakh rupees to crores, depending on pedigree. Many buyers are now sourcing horses from Gujarat instead of Rajasthan and Punjab. Industry experts also credit government-supported breeding centres, veterinary training and breeder clinics for the improvement. As farming profits become uncertain, horse breeding is emerging as a profitable alternative business across rural Gujarat.