Advancing Livestock and Fisheries in Jammu & Kashmir: A Collaborative Approach

Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Rajiv Ranjan Singh, and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah of J&K held a high-level meeting in Srinagar to explore the potential of the livestock and fisheries sectors in the region. Highlighting the untapped potential, the Union Minister assured support from the Centre, emphasizing the need for joint efforts to convert potential into outcomes. Key proposals included urging youth involvement in micro-scale enterprises, infrastructure development through national institutions like NDDB and NFDB, and organizing conferences to boost entrepreneurship.

Chief Minister Abdullah pointed out that large industries have not been as fruitful in J&K as traditional sectors like agriculture and fisheries. Despite contributing 90% of India’s trout production, the territory lacks organized processing facilities. Efforts to achieve self-sufficiency in domestic demand for meat and dairy were discussed, alongside a revival plan for cooperatives. Infrastructural enhancements, market connectivity, and entrepreneurship were focal topics, supported by figures like the livestock population and the economic contribution of these sectors, which amounts to Rs 12,634 crore or 6.25% of J&K's GDP.

A new Ultra High Temperature Milk Plant was virtually inaugurated by the officials during the event, and plans such as the Rs 5,013 crore Holistic Agriculture Development Programme, which allocates Rs 1,364 crore for livestock and fisheries, were highlighted as part of the strategic development framework.