SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government on Tuesday informed the Legislative Assembly that milk production in the Union Territory has increased to 29.73 lakh metric tonnes annually, reflecting a steady upward trend over the past three years driven by sustained interventions in dairy development and livestock management.
As per the Integrated Sample Survey 2023-24, JK currently contributes about 1.2 per cent to the national milk output. The Union Territory ranks 15th in overall milk production in the country and 8th in per capita milk availability.
Per capita milk availability in JK stands at 595 grams per day, higher than the national average, indicating improved productivity levels as well as scope for further value addition, processing and organised marketing.
Official data placed before the House shows that total milk production has consistently increased from 28.17 lakh metric tonnes in 2022-23 to 28.74 lakh metric tonnes in 2023-24, and further to 29.73 lakh metric tonnes in 2024-25.
Several districts recorded incremental gains during this period. Jammu district increased production from 282.03 thousand metric tonnes in 2022-23 to 271.21 thousand metric tonnes in 2024-25 after a dip in 2023-24. Baramulla, Budgam, Kupwara, Pulwama, Rajouri and Udhampur also reported higher outputs in 2024-25 compared to the previous year.
The data indicates an overall upward trajectory at the Union Territory level, attributed to ongoing interventions in dairy infrastructure, veterinary healthcare and farmer-oriented schemes.
The cooperative dairy network has expanded significantly, with around 1,700 dairy cooperative societies comprising nearly 70,000 members supplying milk to the Jammu and Kashmir Milk Producers Cooperative Limited. The federation currently processes approximately 2.5 lakh litres of milk per day.
The government said the strengthening of the cooperative framework has improved procurement efficiency and ensured better market linkage for milk producers.
Beyond dairy, the livestock base continues to play a critical role in rural livelihoods. The sheep and goat population of around 45 lakh contributes substantially to mutton production, a key component of the Union Territory’s agri-economy.
The poultry sector has also expanded, with nearly 5 crore broiler chicks reared annually, supporting employment generation and supplementary incomes for rural households.
The government informed the House that multiple targeted schemes are being implemented to strengthen dairy infrastructure, promote genetic upgradation, improve fodder availability and enhance veterinary healthcare services.
Beneficiary-oriented dairy unit establishment schemes are being rolled out across districts to encourage small and marginal farmers to adopt scientific dairy practices. District-wise details of dairy development units established and beneficiaries covered over the past three years have been compiled separately.
Officials said the consistent increase in milk production, rising per capita availability and expansion of cooperative processing capacity reflect the positive impact of structured dairy development initiatives in the Union Territory.
