SAC approves state livestock breeding policy

In a significant decision, the State Administrative Council (SAC) which met here on Wednesday under the chairmanship of Governor Satya Pal Malik has approved the Jammu and Kashmir State Livestock Breeding Policy, 2019.

First of its kind in the state, the policy aims to givefocused attention to increase in both the production and productivity oflivestock (cattle, sheep, goat), fish and poultry in the state with theultimate motto of higher returns for the people engaged in this sector, anofficial spokesperson said.

   

The livestock sector contributes to 33.63 percent of theagriculture GDP of the state. As per the estimates, 73 percent of the statepopulation live in the rural areas and is associated with livestock rearing.The sector also provides direct/indirect employment to 20 lakh families.

“The livestock population has been showing a declining trenddue to rapid urbanisation/shrinking of fodder land; with the State having topay huge bills in importing livestock products. It is on this account; a needfor a Policy has been felt to ensure sustainable development of livestockpopulation on scientific lines,” the spokesperson said.

The policy will not only help to achieve self-sufficiency inlivestock products, reduce import bills but also expand employmentopportunities by doubling farmers’ income during next 5 to 10 years. Inaddition, the Policy will promote research and developmental initiatives in thelivestock sector.

It envisages improvement of the genetic potential of locallivestock by grading/cross-breeding with superior exotic germ plasma whereverrequired and conservation of indigenous breeds. The policy will stimulate thegrowth and nurture institutions in the State to generate quality breedinginputs for a sustainable livestock development, without any detriment to theeco-system.

It also envisages introducing new livestock breeds likeMount billiard and Braunvieh cattle on pilot basis as these breeds have betteradaptability in hilly temperate regions with less fodder requirement.

The policy further envisages development of poultry sector,especially backyard poultry, augmentation of production and productivity ofboth capture and culture fisheries, modernization of fish hatcheries,scientific breeding of Rainbow Trout, Carps, Fish Species and rejuvenation ofthe endangered Mahseer fish.

The Policy lays a special focus on sustainable geneticimprovement of bovines. With the implementation of the Policy, the annual milkproduction is expected to reach to 5037 TMT approximately within five years.The policy shall promote dual purpose sheep breeds for achieving selfsufficiency in mutton, besides import of Ramboilet and Merino sheep willimprove growth rate/carcass weight and stop inbreeding depression.

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