Bandipora district doubles national average in milk production, achieves self-sufficiency

Bandipora: Bandipora district in north Kashmir has achieved remarkable success in milk production and achieved self-sufficiency, thanks to the efforts of the Animal Husbandry Department and the local farmers.

The district produces 1000 ml of milk per capita, which is double the national average of 444 ml, official figures reveal.

The total milk production for 2022-23 was 135 metric tonnes, which is 35 percent more than the previous years, officials said.

The surplus milk of around 18,000 to 20,000 liters is also supplied to the local processing units, one of which is unique and one of its kind and produces milk products under the brand name ‘Kesperia’.

Chief Animal Husbandry Officer, Ghulam Ahmad Lone told Greater Kashmir that the department has provided sheep units to the beneficiaries, creating job opportunities for many people.

He said that 80 percent of those involved in dairy production are educated youth.

Lone said that entrepreneurship had created employment opportunities for 1200 youth in the district.

To provide stronger and more abundant milk-producing breeds to the farmers, the district has achieved a 100 percent target for the Artificial Insemination programme.

Lone said that the department inducted hundreds of cross-breed Jersey cows and cross-breed Holsteins at different dairy units, which proved successful.

He said that the department had provided over Rs 3 crore subsidy under a scheme to develop dairy farms.

Besides, under the central sector scheme and Kisan Credit Card scheme, the department has disbursed Rs 42 crore as credit facilitation.

The officials said that women had been given due consideration to run the dairy units in the district and were already reaping benefits from milk production.

Moreover, Other Backward Classes and Scheduled Tribes were also part of it.

To keep the cattle healthy, under its animal health cover programme, the department has also achieved the target of vaccinating cattle against Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) and Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD).