Minister for Animal, Sheep Husbandry and Fisheries, Abdul Ghani Kohli today said that Government has decided to develop one poultry villages in each constituency to meet the huge demand of poultry products locally.The Minister said this while chairing a review meeting of Animal Husbandry department here today.Director Animal Husbandry, Dr. S K Abrol, CEO, Livestock Development Board and Joint Director Farms, Dr. Ashok Mangotra, Joint Director Poultry Jammu, Dr. Kewal Krishan Bhardwaj, Joint Director ARV, all district heads, concerned officers attended the meeting.
The meeting laid thrust on development of high-tech infrastructure to tap huge economic potential in the poultry sector in the state. He said economy of the state would get a big boost if the demand of poultry products is met locally.“To achieve this goal government has decided to develop a village in each constituency as a poultry village” he said and asked the District heads to start the process in this regard.The Minister also directed the officers to promote backyard poultry as it requires very less investment but fetches maximum returns to the farmers.
He asked the officers to formulate a comprehensive plan to encourage backyard poultry in a big way adding this will also help to cut the imports and boost local economy.The meeting also observed that there is a huge scope to develop existing hatcheries at Kishtwar, Doda, Poonch and Rajouri on PPP mode. The Minister asked the officers to explore the possibilities in this regard and submit a report for further necessary action. In order to safeguard the interests of farmers, Abdul Ghani Kohli directed the officers to initiate the process of their registration with the department. “This will not only help farmers to avail benefits of various government schemes but also encourage them to diversify their activities” he added. Various issues being raised by the poultry farmers with the department were also discussed in the meeting including delay in transportation of poultry and price fixation of dairy/poultry and its products. It was decided in the meeting that the concerned authorities would be asked to avoid unnecessary delay in checking to minimize mortality during the transportation.
The issue of involvement of Animal Husbandry department in price fixation will also be taken up with the Food Supplies department so that all aspects are included while finalizing the rates, the meeting decided.The Minister further directed the department to develop cooperative societies in each district which will facilitate the dairy and poultry farmers. He said that directions will also be issued to all financial institutions to expedite the cases sent by the Animal Husbandry department under various subsidy schemes.Director, Animal Husbandry Dr. S K Abrol informed the Minister that the department has inducted Sahibal in the centre government project in order to conserve this indigenous breed.It was also informed that the department would observe October 2 as National Artificial Insemination Day, specifically for local/desi breeds of cattle.The Minister asked the officers to encourage the local youth to take up poultry and dairy farming to earn their livelihood. He instructed all the officers to work with dedication and maintain close coordination to provide all possible help to the farmers. Field staff was directed to remain at the disposal of farmers for every kind of required help.“Try to bring a visible change on ground by way of effective implementation of schemes” he asked the officers adding that recognition of impact by the farmers would be the real litmus test.