Transformative initiatives set to elevate the sector
Srinagar, Aug 13: Dairy farming in the Kashmir Valley has received a significant boost in recent years, thanks to the support from the administration.
Various schemes have been introduced, benefitting the people of Kashmir substantially.
Additionally, milk production is expected to increase from 25 to 45 lakh metric tons, and milk collection/chilling from 2.0 to 8.5 lakh litres per day (LLPD) over a five-year period.
Moreover, 1,800 PashuSakhis will receive incentives for ration balancing for 600,000 cows and for the milk recording programme for 30,000 dairy cows. The figures also indicate that 60,000 backyard poultry units will be established in rural areas.
“Hybrid fodder seed kits will be provided for 3,600 hectares of land. Additionally, 100 hydroponic fodder units and 60 silage-making units will be set up, along with six fodder depots to ensure availability in fodder-deficient areas,” the figures reveal.
Being an agrarian region, the agriculture sector contributes 16.18 per cent to J&K’s GDP, with 35 per cent of this contribution coming from the dairy sector.
A vast population living in rural areas relies on dairy and livestock for their livelihood.
With increased support, the sector has seen substantial growth over the years.
Shabir Ahmad from Pulwama started two dairy farming units with five cows each in 2021. “For each unit, we received a subsidy of Rs 1.75 lakh. We produce up to two hundred litres of milk a day, which we sell to dealers,” said the 25-year-old. The family has also begun home delivery of milk, for which they have hired a person, selling milk at Rs 45 per litre.
“We earn 10,000 rupees a day. We spend about five thousand rupees a day on feed and paying our three employees, making a profit of over a lakh a month,” he added.
“There are so many schemes available through which young people can earn. Dairy farming gives good returns,” he said, encouraging young people to become job creators rather than job seekers.
Apart from supporting rural residents in purchasing cattle to set up their dairy farms, this scheme also assists dairy producers by providing equipment such as milking machines, cheese-making machines, and mechanized help in the form of khoya-making machines, dahi makers, cream separators, ice cream makers, butter and ghee-making machines. It also includes a milk van and a milk ATM at a 50 per cent subsidy.
