SRINAGAR: In a major initiative to strengthen the dairy sector, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has announced a plan to establish 3,000 dairy farms across the Union Territory. This ambitious project is expected to significantly enhance milk production and collection over the next five years, with projections indicating a rise in milk production from 25 lakh metric tons to 45 lakh metric tons. Daily milk collection and chilling capacity is set to increase from 2 lakh to 8.5 lakh litres per day.
To support the dairy sector’s growth, the administration has introduced various schemes providing incentives for 1,800 PashuSakhis (veterinary assistants), who will help manage balanced rations for approximately 6 lakh cows and oversee milk recording for 30,000 dairy cows. Additionally, the plan includes setting up 60,000 backyard poultry units in rural areas to diversify income sources and boost the local economy.
The government’s commitment extends to improving fodder resources, with provisions for distributing hybrid fodder seed kits to cover 3,600 hectares of land. To ensure sustainable fodder supply, the administration is establishing 100 hydroponic fodder units, 60 silage-making units, and six fodder depots to address shortages in specific regions.
Agriculture is a key pillar of Jammu and Kashmir’s economy, contributing 16.18 per cent to the region’s GDP, with 35 per cent of this contribution coming from the dairy sector. For the rural population, dairy farming remains a vital source of livelihood, and government-backed initiatives have already spurred substantial growth.
Altaf Ahmad, a 25-year-old dairy farmer from Pulwama, is a testament to the sector’s potential. Since 2021, he has established two dairy units with five cows each, receiving a subsidy of Rs 1.75 lakh per unit. “We produce around 200 litres of milk daily, which we sell to dealers, and we also offer home delivery at Rs 45 per litre,” he said. With a daily income of Rs 10,000 and monthly profits exceeding Rs 1 lakh after expenses, Ahmad encourages other young people to consider dairy farming. “Dairy farming is profitable and allows young people to become job creators rather than job seekers,” he added.
Beyond financial support for purchasing cattle, the government’s schemes also provide modern equipment to enhance production efficiency. Dairy farmers can access subsidised machinery, including milking machines, cheese-making devices, khoya makers, dahi makers, cream separators, ice cream makers, and butter and ghee-making machines, as well as milk vans and milk ATMs—all at a 50 per cent subsidy.
With these initiatives, the Jammu and Kashmir administration aims to transform the dairy industry into a robust economic driver, creating opportunities for rural communities and contributing to the region’s overall economic growth.
