Minister for Animal, Sheep Husbandry, and Fisheries Sajad Gani Lone Thursday stressed upon the officers of the Department to redouble their efforts to make the State self-sufficient in poultry production.The Minister was chairing a meeting of senior officers of the Poultry Wing of Department here today convened to review the functioning of the wing.The Minister directed the officers to formulate a plan for establishment of Feed Farm in the Valley for the convenience of poultry rearers, saying that it would bring a revolution in the Sector. He said it would ease the provision of feed to the poultry industry, besides, providing job opportunities to youth. He said the Farm would be equipped with latest technology.
The Minister asked the concerned for submission of the proposal within a weeks’ time so that it could be submitted for funding to appropriate forum.The Minister stressed the need for augmenting existing poultry industry so that landless and marginal farmers can make their living out of poultry rearing. He asked the concerned for launching a campaign for sensitizing the farmers about various schemes presently under implementation in the department. The Minister was informed that the Government is every year spending a large amount on importing feed for day-old chicks and birds. He was informed that 3.50 crore day-old chicks worth Rs. 66 crore and one crore stable birds worth Rs. 100 crore are being imported annually in the State.The Minister was informed that poultry birds in large numbers are being reared in Pulwama, Budgam and Srinagar district which cater to the need of people to some extent. Director Animal Husbandry, Kashmir, Dr. Shamas-u-din Makhdoomi, senior officers of the Poultry Wing of the Department attended the meeting. (GNS)