Minister for Animal, Sheep Husbandry and Fisheries, Abdul Ghani Kohli today called redoubling of efforts in Sheep and Animal Husbandry sector in order to make the state self-reliant and the sector as an important pillar of economy.This was stated by the Minister while addressing a joint meeting of officers of Animal and Sheep Husbandry Departments convened to review the functioning of the departments today.Minister of State for Forest, Ecology, Environment, Animal/Sheep Husbandry, Cooperative and Fisheries, Zahoor Ahmad Mir was also present on the occasion.The meeting was attended by, Directors of Sheep Husbandry Kashmir and Jammu, Directors of Animal Husbandry Kashmir and Jammu, besides Director Fisheries and other concerned officers. The Minister urged upon the officers present in the meeting for better utilization of resources of the departments so that the productivity is significantly enhanced. The Minister said that about 74000 families are associated with sheep farming alone and increase in their productivity can bring huge economic dividends to a vast majority of the people.The Minister cited the example of developed countries where sheep rearing is a profitable business and the same model can be replicated in Kashmir. He said that the climate and geography of the State is also very favourable for the progress of the sector.
The Minister was informed that the Kashmir division has the total sheep population of 16.81 lakh, cross breed sheep population of 13.81 lakh and goat population of 3.89 lakh. The mutton production stands at 107.05 lakh kgs and wool production at 30.61 lakh kgs. The Minister called for setting up of target for making State self reliance in mutton production and working overtime to achieve it.The Minister expressed his concern over the loss of livestock due to outbreak of diseases. He called for strictly sticking to three pronged approach of Dosing, Dipping and Vaccination of animal population that will prevent the diseases right from the beginning. He said that the prevention of disease is very cost effective in comparison with expensive medication. The Minister called for streamlining the supply of medicines so that people associated with the sheep and animal husbandry do not feel any shortage at the time of need.The Minister acknowledged the role of twin departments in upgrading the livestock scenario of the state and stressed to improve the overall functioning of the departments. Mr Zahoor Ahmad Mir said several initiatives would be taken to make functioning of livestock more vibrant and efficient and no stone would be left unturned in this regard.