Sajid Raina
Bandipora, Oct 30: The Animal Husbandry Department (AHD) in Bandipora said it has successfully provided jobs to more than 2000 individuals in 500 sheep and dairy farms over the past four years.
Chief Animal Husbandry Officer of Bandipora, Dr G. A Lone, said that the department is making relentless efforts to engage the youth, including females, in various employment initiatives.
Dr Lone said the district has not only achieved a remarkable 35% increase in milk production, ensuring self-sufficiency for Bandipora but also witnessed substantial growth in poultry product manufacturing. This has contributed significantly to the district’s socioeconomic development, he said.
Underlining the department’s commitment to empowering unemployed youth, the officer said that numerous individuals without prior income sources were enrolled in various schemes. These initiatives aimed to provide them with stable income streams by establishing poultry units and dairy farms, and involving them in other departmental projects, he said.
One of the standout accomplishments of the AHD in Bandipora over the past four years has been the establishment of poultry farms in Gurez and the introduction of Artificial Insemination (AI) techniques, which has opened new avenues for farmers and aspiring entrepreneurs, Dr Lone said.
He said the department disbursed a substantial amount of 42 crores through Kisan Credit Cards (KCC) to cater to the comprehensive credit requirements of farmers in the district.
“Beyond animal management, the department’s focus on youth employment has significantly elevated living standards by creating numerous job opportunities and ensuring a sustainable livelihood for many,” he added.
