Animal Husbandry Poised to Boost Jammu and Kashmir's Economy

The Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) recently hosted a national conclave that focused on the future of livestock production in Jammu and Kashmir. The event, titled “Next-Gen Technologies for Sustainable Livestock Production: Pathways for Prosperity,” was organized by the university’s Division of Livestock Production Management. It gathered prominent animal scientists, policy planners, industrial leaders, and progressive farmers from across India.

Economists and agricultural experts at the conclave highlighted that animal husbandry could drive significant economic development in the region. Currently, livestock farming contributes approximately 25-28% to the agricultural gross domestic product (Agri-GDP) of Jammu and Kashmir. Since a large portion of the rural population depends on this sector for their daily livelihoods, enhancing it is considered crucial for regional stability.

The conclave underscored the rising consumer demand for high-value proteins like milk, meat, and eggs, which presents a major commercial opportunity for local producers. To meet this demand, the event stressed the importance of adopting next-generation management technologies. Transitioning from traditional to precision livestock practices could enhance the supply chain’s output and quality standards.

Discussions at the conclave also focused on building robust support frameworks for small and medium agribusinesses. Key areas of improvement include veterinary healthcare delivery, expanding high-quality fodder production, and implementing advanced genetic selection tools to optimize animal performance. These measures are seen as foundational for developing an export-capable livestock economy.

The symposium's ultimate goal is to create a comprehensive policy roadmap that aligns academic research with industrial needs. By fostering collaboration between regional universities, government agencies, and corporate stakeholders, the initiative aims to accelerate technology transfer to the field. This transformation could reduce Jammu and Kashmir's reliance on external imports and enhance its status as a productive agricultural hub.