Minister for Animal and Sheep husbandry Sajjad Gani LoneThursday gave clear directions to the field functionaries for being proactive and bringing efficiency and transparency in the whole system of Animal and sheep Husbandry at gross root level.The Minister was addressing a series of review meetings of Poultry, Animal and Sheep Husbandry Departments here today.The Directors of the concerned departments besides concerned senior officers including district heads were present in the meeting.The Minister directed officers to make calendar for work schedule including immunization programme. He said concerted efforts are being made to revive the Animal and Sheep Husbandry department including poultry in the state, adding that this sector has closeness with the rural economy of the state even in the modern scientific age.
Mr. Lone emphasised upon the officers to take innovative steps for making the husbandries economically viable for youth of the state. He called upon youth, especially living in rural and hilly areas to adopt this profitable business by using modern scientific methodology.The Minister took a detailed review of each sector and was informed that the cattle population has reached upto 13 lakh heads in valley while as Boiler production has gone to 635 Lakh kgs annually. Likewise, it was informed that milk production has reached to 13060 lakh litres annually.The Mutton production has touched 260 lakh kgs annually in J&K while as Sheep and Goat population has gone upto 54 lakh heads. The meeting was informed that 1000 Sheep extension centres are functioning in the state for providing Medicare facilities to the Sheep populace.
Referring to the vaccination program the meeting was informed that 13 Lakh vaccines are being administered annually which are produced in the State’s local Institute of Animal Health and Biological Products, Zakora.The Minister was informed that under Centrally sponsored program Establishment and strengthening of Existing Veterinary hospitals and dispensaries program (ESVHD), 44 veterinary hospital and dispensary buildings have been taken up at an estimated cost of Rs 5.63 Crore rupees out of which Rs 4.50 Crore have been expended on the execution of these works of which 20 buildings are near completion while as others at different stage of execution.The meetings also discussed health care facilities being providing to the Livestock and the Minister directed concerned officers to check and ensure cent percent control over foot and mouth disease so that farmers in rural areas do not feel any inconvenience.