*”J&K’s Livestock and Fisheries Sectors Poised for Growth as Union Minister and CM Omar Abdullah Chart Out Development Roadmap”*

Srinagar, July 02,NSR:

In a significant step towards boosting the Animal Husbandry and Fisheries sectors in Jammu and Kashmir, Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying Rajiv Ranjan Singh and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah jointly chaired a high-level review meeting in Srinagar today. The meeting brought together key stakeholders, including officials from the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, and senior officers from the J&K government.

During the meeting, the Union Minister emphasized the immense potential for growth in J&K’s livestock and fisheries sectors. He assured full support from the Centre and called for joint efforts between the Centre and J&K Government to convert potential into outcomes. The Minister stressed the importance of cooperatives and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) in dairy operations, citing the example of dairy cooperatives in Varanasi.

CM Omar Abdullah highlighted the significance of traditional sectors like agriculture, horticulture, livestock, fisheries, and tourism in J&K’s economy. He noted that despite contributing 90% of India’s trout production, the sector lacks organized processing and value addition. The Chief Minister emphasized the need to build on J&K’s strengths in these sectors and assured that his government is committed to reviving cooperative culture and linking milk producers to formal processing networks.

The meeting reviewed various initiatives, including the Holistic Agriculture Development Program (HADP), which aims to address critical gaps in oilseed production, fodder, dairy, mutton, and fisheries. The program includes a ₹5,013 crore outlay, with ₹1,364 crore allocated for livestock and fisheries.

The Union Minister and CM also virtually inaugurated a 50,000 liters per day Ultra High Temperature (UHT) Milk Plant at Satwari, Jammu. This modern facility is expected to enhance the state’s dairy processing capacity and provide better opportunities for dairy farmers.

The meeting concluded with a shared vision to transform Animal Husbandry and Fisheries into vibrant, employment-generating sectors in J&K. Both leaders resolved to implement joint strategies for infrastructure expansion, market linkages, entrepreneurship development, and cooperatives’ revival.

The Animal Husbandry and Fisheries departments contribute significantly to J&K’s economy, with a GDP contribution of ₹12,634 crore. The livestock population includes 24.54 lakh cattle, 31 lakh sheep, 15 lakh goats, and 73 lakh backyard poultry. The sectors have seen significant achievements under various schemes, including the National Livestock Mission, Rashtriya Gokul Mission, and Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).

With a renewed focus on development and growth, the Animal Husbandry and Fisheries sectors in J&K are poised to play a vital role in the state’s economic progress. The joint efforts of the Centre and J&K Government are expected to unlock new opportunities and improve the livelihoods of people dependent on these sectors.