Srinagar, July 2, 2025 – In a decisive step toward unlocking Jammu and Kashmir’s agricultural and livestock potential, Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying Rajiv Ranjan Singh and J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah held a high-level joint review meeting to align national support with local strategies for rural prosperity.
The minister emphasised the importance of converting potential into tangible outcomes through infrastructure development, youth-led enterprises, and the revival of the cooperative ecosystem.
“Where there is scope, there must be action,” Singh said. “We’re committed to ensuring that rural livelihoods in J&K are strengthened through organized livestock and fisheries.”
Key initiatives include:
- A plan involving NDDB and NFDB for integrated infrastructure and market access
- An upcoming Exporters’ and Private Sector Investment Conference in J&K
- Advocacy for FPOs and dairy cooperatives to formalise milk production and maximise income streams
- Virtual inauguration of a 50,000 LPD UHT milk plant at Satwari, Jammu
From Local Strengths to Sustainable Development
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah welcomed the Centre’s collaboration and affirmed that Jammu and Kashmir’s strengths lie in its traditional sectors, not in unsustainable industrial models.
“J&K contributes 90% of India’s trout, yet lacks value-addition. Similarly, we consume more meat than we produce. Our focus must be on self-sufficiency and market linkage,” he said.
Omar Abdullah committed to reviving dairy cooperatives and ensuring HADP (Holistic Agriculture Development Program) addresses critical bottlenecks in fodder, mutton, milk, and oilseeds.
Both leaders reiterated the goal of transforming Animal Husbandry and Fisheries into employment-generating engines for Jammu and Kashmir’s rural economy.
