As the Jammu and Kashmir is heavily dependent on outside supplies to meet mutton requirements, the state’s new Livestock Breeding Policy aims to work towards import substitution of Rs 2000 crore spent on mutton purchases by bridging the demand and supply gap by focusing on producing high mutton yield breeds in the state.
According to the Policy document, currently around 15 lakhruminants are imported each year to meet the mutton demand in Kashmir.Therefore, the policy document which has been approved by the government hasemphasized on increasing production of mutton.
“Emphasis shall be given on production of mutton and at thesame time gains achieved in fine wool so far shall be taken care of byappropriate selection and breeding methods to evolve a dual purpose (wool andmutton) breed for the state.”
“The sheep breeding policy in vogue in Jammu andKashmir is one recommended by National Commission on Agriculture (1976) forNorthern Temperate Region wherein northern temperate areas of the state wereearmarked for the fine/apparel wool production.”
“With the advent of globalization and internationaltrade, wool from international markets is available at cheap rates with theresult remuneration from wool is not profitable However, demand for the muttonhas increased drastically with time and currently the state imports about 15lakh ruminants annually. Therefore there is need of policy shift from rearingsheep for apparel to mutton attribute,” it adds.
The Policy aims to support the existing low input productionsystems for improving productivity and income so as to improve socio-economicstatus of a vast majority of our livestock producers and to support researchand development initiatives in livestock sector for improving production andproductivity, bio-security and profitability in the sector.
Regarding the breeding policy with focus on sheep in Kashmirdivision, it asks for Stabilization of inheritance level (75% merinos 25%local) by selective breeding with stress on growth, fecundity and dressingpercentage attributes. The gains obtained in fine wool shall be maintained (atleast 23 micron fiber diameter). The developed Kashmir Merino shall becompletely documented and registered as a separate breed.
Similarly for Leh district, policy calls for breedimprovement of Changluk and Mulluk sheep for dual purpose (mutton and wool)shall be taken up by selective breeding besides the existing policy of crossbreeding of Sheep of Ladakh with merinos in certain pockets shall be continuedand stabilization of the developed crosses.
The policy for goats shall be augmentation of qualityChevon/milk and fiber production through selective breeding for the recognizedbreeds and crossbreeding in case of nondescript and shivalik goats.
“We import mutton worth Rs 2000 crore each year, it is a good step that government has devised apolicy to stop this flight of capital,” said president Wholesale Mutton DealersUnion, Mehraj Din Ganie.
He said that government must ensure proper implementationand provide opportunities to youngsters who could eke their livelihood for thissector.