Ishtiyaq Kar
Srinagar, Nov 13: In a major boost to the dairy sector, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has set a target to establish 3,000 dairy farms across the Union Territory.
The government has already initiated several schemes aimed at promoting dairy farming in the region.
According to official data, the target is to establish 3,000 new dairy farms, with significant increases expected in both milk production and collection over the next five years.
Milk production is projected to rise from 25 lakh metric tons to 45 lakh metric tons, while daily milk collection and chilling capacity is expected to increase from 2 lakh to 8.5 lakh litres per day (LLPD).
Additionally, the scheme includes incentives for 1,800 PashuSakhis (veterinary assistants) who will support the balancing of rations for 6 lakh cows and oversee the milk recording program for 30,000 dairy cows.
As part of the comprehensive plan, 60,000 backyard poultry units will also be set up in rural areas to further support the local economy. The government is also focusing on enhancing fodder supply by providing hybrid fodder seed kits for 3,600 hectares of land, along with the establishment of 100 hydroponic fodder units and 60 silage-making units. Six fodder depots will also be set up to ensure adequate fodder in areas with shortages.
Jammu and Kashmir’s agriculture sector, which contributes 16.18% to the region’s GDP, relies heavily on dairy farming, with around 35% of that contribution coming from the dairy industry. The sector remains a vital livelihood source for the large rural population, with increasing government support leading to substantial growth in recent years.
One success story is that of Altaf Ahmad, a 25-year-old from Pulwama, who started two dairy units in 2021, each with five cows. “We received a subsidy of Rs 1.75 lakh for each unit. Currently, we produce up to 200 litres of milk daily, which we sell to dealers,” he said. The family also began offering home delivery of milk, priced at Rs 45 per litre, and employs a person to manage the delivery.
“We earn around Rs 10,000 a day. After spending about Rs 5,000 on feed and salaries for three employees, we make a profit of over Rs 1 lakh per month,” he added. Altaf encouraged other young people to consider dairy farming as a viable business opportunity, stating, “Dairy farming offers good returns, and there are numerous schemes available to help young people become job creators rather than job seekers.”
In addition to assisting rural residents in purchasing cattle, the government schemes also provide dairy producers with equipment such as milking machines, cheese-making machines, and mechanized devices like khoya-making machines, dahi makers, cream separators, ice cream makers, butter and ghee-making machines, as well as milk vans and milk ATMs—offered at a 50% subsidy.
