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From Fur to Fun: How Kashmir's Angora Rabbit Farm is hopping into pet market

The farm sprawls across six hectares, making it the largest rabbit breeding facility in North India
10:11 AM Jan 28, 2025 IST | MUKEET AKMALI
from fur to fun  how kashmir s angora rabbit farm is hopping into pet market
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In 1979, the Jammu and Kashmir government established the Angora Rabbit Farm in Wussan village in Baramulla district in an effort to popularise rabbit farming as a sustainable source of meat and fur. While the initial goal to satiate the tastes of Kashmir's voracious meat-eaters has not fully materialised—in part due to cultural aversions to rabbit meat—rising trends in pet ownership have breathed new life into the farm. Today, it is a thriving hub for pet enthusiasts and a valuable agricultural venture.

“The primary purpose of this farm was to cater to meat consumption in the Kashmir Valley,” stated Dr Waseem Muzaffar Malik, the Assistant Director of the Sheep Husbandry Department, which oversees the farm.

“Although the commercial success of rabbit meat has not been as high as anticipated, we are witnessing a remarkable shift as rabbit rearing has become a popular hobby, especially among children and teenagers.”

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Located approximately 30 km from Srinagar, the Angora Rabbit Farm sprawls across six hectares, making it the largest rabbit breeding facility in North India. It houses various breeds imported from different countries, with new species regularly introduced.

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“Currently, we have seven breeds, including the prized German and French Angora rabbits,” Malik shared. “A pair of Angora rabbits sells for `1,200, while other breeds like New Zealand White and Soviet Chinchilla range from `300 to `800 per pair.”

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While the culinary aspect of rabbit farming has struggled to gain traction, demand for rabbits as pets has soared.

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Malik noted, “Many parents bring their children here to choose rabbits as pets. It’s heartwarming to see kids so excited about raising their very own rabbits.” The trend reflects a broader shift towards smaller, manageable pets, which require less space and care compared to traditional dogs or cats.

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The growing global trend of cuniculture—raising rabbits for meat and fur—has paved the way for rabbit farming to evolve from a niche practice to an established industry. With health-conscious consumers seeking lean protein sources, rabbit meat has emerged as a viable alternative.

Malik said the nutritional advantages, stating, “Rabbit meat is high in protein and low in fat. It’s an ideal keto diet option and offers several health benefits.”

According to studies, rabbit meat contains essential nutrients such as phosphorus, zinc, copper, magnesium, potassium, and vitamins B12 and E. Its low sodium content, coupled with the presence of linoleic acid, contributes to heart health, reduces the risk of obesity and diabetes, and possesses anti-carcinogenic properties. Despite these health benefits, social taboos and misconceptions surrounding rabbit meat consumption hinder its acceptance in Kashmir.

“Even though rabbit meat is halal, there is still a psychological barrier for many consumers,” Malik explained. “We’re working to raise awareness about its value as a nutritious food source. But we’ve also recognized the potential in marketing rabbits as pets.”

The farm’s success has also stemmed from its ability to create economic opportunities for the local community.

Malik highlighted the significance of the farm in providing livelihoods, particularly for uneducated youth. “Rabbits are often called ‘Micro-Livestock’ because they require minimal space and resources,” he said. “This makes them a fantastic option for young entrepreneurs looking to start their own ventures.”

Rabbits are known for their rapid growth and reproductive capabilities. A female rabbit (doe) has an average pregnancy length of 30 days, giving birth to between one and twelve kits per litter. “We teach aspiring farmers about best practices in rabbit husbandry, including weaning kits at 30 to 45 days and managing breeding cycles to minimise stress,” Malik added.

“Proper care can lead to a yield of 700 to 900 grams per kit by the time they are weaned.”

The Angora Rabbit Farm is not just about breeding; it plays a crucial role in agricultural sustainability in the region. “A significant portion of our land is utilized for cultivating Rabi and Kharif crops, which provide fresh grasses and vegetables for the rabbits,” Malik explained. This self-sustaining model also helps mitigate feed costs, enabling the farm to supply surplus fodder to cooperatives and sheep breeding farms across Kashmir.

“We provide guidance on breeding, feeding, and care, helping new farmers get off to a good start,” Malik said. “This has stimulated local economies, creating a network of rabbit farmers who share insights and resources.”

Even with these advancements, the farm faces challenges, especially in overcoming social stigmas surrounding rabbit meat consumption. Malik acknowledges the need for ongoing education: “We’re actively engaging with local communities to dispel myths and promote the benefits of rabbit meat as a healthy alternative to red meat like beef and mutton.”

Moreover, the effects of the global economic downturn and high unemployment in the region pose further challenges. Yet, the farm’s potential as a viable enterprise continues to draw interest from educated unemployed youth, as starting a rabbit farming venture typically requires lower investment and operational costs compared to traditional livestock farming.

As Kashmir navigates the complexities of changing diets and economic pressures, the Angora Rabbit Farm stands at the forefront of a movement toward sustainable agricultural practices. With the right mix of education, marketing, and support, rabbit farming could reshape not just how people view rabbits—as a source of companionship and sustenance—but also play a critical role in the region’s agricultural landscape.