Jammu and Kashmir's $1.34 Billion Dairy Plan to Double Milk Output
The administration of Jammu and Kashmir has embarked on an ambitious $1.34 billion Integrated Dairy Development Plan (IDDP) aimed at transforming its dairy sector. The plan intends to double the region's milk production from the current 25.6 lakh Metric Tonnes (MT) to 50 lakh MT annually within the next five years. This initiative is expected to enhance self-sufficiency in milk production and improve the economic status of local dairy farmers.
A key component of the IDDP is genetic improvement, which includes the establishment of 300 Integrated Dairy Development Centres across the Union Territory. These centers will provide essential services such as artificial insemination to boost local cattle productivity. The plan also involves offering high-quality, subsidized sex-sorted semen to increase the number of female calves, expediting the expansion of the milking herd.
The plan also addresses market access and value addition. Jammu and Kashmir's milk processing capacity is set to increase from 5 lakh litres per day (LLPD) to 15 LLPD, accommodating the anticipated rise in milk output. The IDDP emphasizes expanding the dairy value chain by promoting value-added dairy products, which are expected to yield higher returns for both producers and processors.
The economic and social benefits projected from this investment are significant, with the creation of 5,000 new jobs and the establishment of around 2,500 new dairy units over the next five years. This development is expected to provide substantial livelihood security in rural areas, reduce dependency on milk imports, and stabilize local prices, benefiting the region's 7.5 lakh small-scale dairy farmers.
To ensure successful implementation, the J&K administration has adopted a cluster approach for development, providing extensive financial and infrastructural support. This includes setting up bulk milk coolers at the village level and assisting farmers with subsidies for purchasing new high-yielding cattle.
