Jammu (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir is targeting to double the quantity of milk processing in the next years from the current level of 2.5 lakh litres each day.
J&K produces 25.41 lakh MT milk annually.
Lt. Governor G C Murmu, while reviewing the working of Animal and Sheep Husbandry department, called for increase in milk production and development of poultry estates for filling the gap between demand and supply of milk and poultry in the Union Territory.
He stressed the need for involving cooperative societies and encourage the farmers for dairy farming while noting that Animal and Sheep Husbandry is a major sector that caters to the needs of a large chunk of population in Jammu and Kashmir.
During the meeting, the Lt. Governor was informed that there are 2200 veterinary centres across Jammu and Kashmir.
He directed the animal husbandry department to cover the entire J&K under the service of mobile veterinary dispensaries which would be equipped with state-of-the-art facilities.
While reviewing the working of Fisheries Department, the Lt. Governor was informed that the department has imported genetically modified Rainbow Trout Seed from Denmark to boost the production of trout fish, which will also attract the farmers towards the fish farming due to its high returns.
Jammu and Kashmir produces about 600 MT or 71 percent of trout fish in India, the meeting was told.
The Lt. Governor asked the officers to further enhance the fish production to make it a lucrative self-employment option.
The Lt. Governor observed that the poultry industry has remained the most dynamic and fastest growing segment in the animal husbandry subsector. He pitched for involving unemployed local youth in poultry sector and develop poultry estates on scientific lines.
He directed the concerned authorities to ensure better health facilities and vaccination for the livestock so that farmers related to this sector don’t face any kind of problem.
He also emphasised on establishing the wool processing units in Jammu and Kashmir, as despite being the second largest producer of wool, the Union Territory does not have wool processing plants.
The Lt. Governor said that the people be made aware about departmental and welfare schemes launched by the government so that they could avail maximum benefits.
