Minister for Animal Husbandry, Sajad Gani Lone has said that government is mulling to introduce a new cow breed ‘Red Sindhi’ to increase the milk production in the State. He said for the purpose a new Scheme ‘National Project on Bovine Breeding (NPBB)’ has been approved by the Centre for the State which aims at promoting the high breed livestock.This was stated by the Minister during a meeting of the officers of Live Stock Development Board (LSDB) convened to review the functioning of the Board.
The Minister said that under the Scheme the Central Government has released Rs 40 crore to the State Government to promote the quality livestock and milk production in the State. He said out of this Rs 20 crore have been released to Jammu division while as Rs 20 crore have been released to Kashmir division. He said concerned Directors of the Department have been asked to implement the components of the Scheme strictly for the maximum benefits of the farmers.The Minister said that Government would soon establish high quality Dairy and Yolk Farms in the State for achieving optimum results in milk production. He said in this regard the Centre has agreed to provide the financial assistance to the State government.During the meeting, the Minister received detailed appraisal about the activities of the department from the concerned officers. He stressed for increasing the cattle and poultry production to reduce the dependence on the import from outside the State.
The Minister said that the government will encourage farmers engaged in cattle rearing for attaining high-quality livestock to fetch attractive returns.Sajad said cattle farming is the support of the state's economy and all efforts will be made to promote this vital sector. "In the era of competition in the market, quality control is must and we have to focus on this vital area to maintain the credibility of State's livestock, “he asserted.Director, Animal Husbandry Dr. Shamas-u-din Makhdoomi, Chief Executive Officer, LSDB Kashmir Dr. M.Y. Chaproo, senior officers of LSDB and Animal Husbandry attended the meeting.