Khammam, Oct. 12: In an attempt to protect and increase the number of Ongole breed of oxen in the state, an association called the AP Ongole Cattle Breeders Welfare Association has been formed. The organisation will assist farmers raising the Ongole ox. The minister for information, technology and sports, Mr R. Damodar Reddy, is the honorary president to the association. The members of the association convened a meeting on Sunday at Lingala village under Kamepalli mandal. Speaking on the occasion, Mr Damodar Reddy said that the Ongole breed of oxen is famous not only in the country but in Europe, Brazil and the United States. He called upon the farmers to increase the count of the breed in the country. "The government is extending all help to the farmers in exporting the race to the other countries," he said and added that a special souvenir on the breed would be released soon. He assured that he would take up the issues raised by the members to the government