Shakeel Bin Abdul Ali
In our valley, amid the towering mountains and lush meadows, lies a time-honored tradition of sheep farming that has woven itself into the very fabric of its history and culture. With roots reaching back thousands of years, this age-old practice not only sustains livelihoods but also forms an integral part of the cultural mosaic. In the face of rising unemployment rates, stories like that of Nazeer Ahmad Baba, a young agri-entrepreneur who ventured into sheep farming, inspire the youth of his area. Let’s delve into the fascinating journey of sheep farming in Jammu and Kashmir, from its historical origins to its thriving present.
Historical Roots:
The history of sheep farming in Jammu and Kashmir underscores its enduring significance. Archaeological excavations have unearthed evidence of sheep raising that dates back to the 3rd millennium BC. This ancient practice finds mention in the annals of Sanskrit texts, including the Rig Veda.
In a broader global historical perspective, sheep farming holds a special place as one of the oldest forms of animal husbandry. Sheep were among the first animals to be domesticated by humans, with evidence dating back over 10,000 years to regions in present-day Iraq and Iran. This ancient practice has shaped human civilization by providing sustenance through meat, wool, and other by-products.
Sheep Farming in the Indian Subcontinent:
The Indian subcontinent, with its diverse climates and terrains, has been a fertile ground for sheep farming for millennia. The roots of sheep raising in the region run deep, with archaeological evidence suggesting that sheep were domesticated in the Indus Valley Civilization around 3300 to 1300 BC. These early sheep farmers not only raised these animals but also utilized their wool for crafting textiles, including clothing, carpets, and draperies. Such practices find mention in ancient Sanskrit texts, underlining the integral role of sheep in the culture and economy of the Indian subcontinent.
During the Mughal period (1526-1857), sheep raising in India, including the Jammu and Kashmir region, thrived. The Mughals, known for their affinity for luxurious textiles, imported significant quantities of sheep and wool from Central Asia. They also established sheep breeding farms in various parts of India, further contributing to the development of the sector.
The British East India Company, arriving in the 17th century, made significant contributions to sheep farming in India, introducing new breeds and establishing wool mills to process Indian wool.
Post-Independence Development:
In the wake of India’s independence in 1947, the government of Jammu and Kashmir recognized the critical importance of the sheep rearing industry. Consequently, a dedicated Sheep Husbandry Department was established to foster its growth. This department played a pivotal role in boosting sheep productivity and wool quality.
In 1960, the Sheep Breeding and Research Farm at Dachigam was established, further fortifying the sheep farming infrastructure of the Union Territory. Subsequently, in 1982, the Department of Sheep Husbandry underwent bifurcation into two separate entities, one for Kashmir and one for Jammu, each helmed by a Divisional Director.
Sheep Breeds in the Valley:
Today, Jammu and Kashmir proudly hosts a diverse array of sheep breeds, each adding to the rich tapestry of the region’s sheep farming heritage.
Kashmiri Merino: Renowned for its fine and luxurious wool, the Kashmiri Merino has been prized for centuries. The softness and warmth of its wool make it a preferred choice for crafting exquisite shawls and textiles.
Gurezi: Among the Kashmiri breeds, Gurezi sheep are the largest. They are known for their coarse white wool and robust constitution, making them well-suited to the region’s rugged terrain.
Bakharwal: Bakharwal sheep are famed for their adaptability to high altitudes and harsh weather conditions. These sheep are often raised by the Gujjars, Bakerwals, Chopans, and Gaddies, traditional sheep-rearing communities in the region.
Contemporary Significance:
In the present day, sheep raising in the valley remains a cornerstone of the local economy. It provides employment to thousands and significantly contributes to the region’s GDP. Sheep serve as a vital source of food, wool, and manure, supporting the livelihoods of numerous communities.
Challenges and Prospects:
Despite its historical significance, sheep farming in Jammu and Kashmir faces numerous challenges:
- Climate Change: The changing climate patterns in the region, characterized by excessive snowfall, torrential rains, and cloudbursts, pose significant threats to the well-being of sheep.
- Disease and Predation: Sheep are vulnerable to various diseases and predation by wildlife, including jackals, wolves, lynx, lions, vultures, bears, tigers, and panthers.
- Infrastructure: Inadequate infrastructure, insufficient breeding coverage, and low conception rates hinder the sector’s growth.
- Feed and Fodder: The availability of feed and fodder remains insufficient, affecting sheep nutrition and productivity.
- Marketing: Unorganized marketing, poor handling, and the lack of quality breeds and prophylactic health cover impede the sector’s development.
Efforts are underway to address these challenges. The government of Jammu and Kashmir approved a significant Rs. 329 crore five-year project in 2023, aimed at achieving self-sufficiency in mutton production and creating 6,000 jobs. This project includes initiatives such as importing high-genetic-merit sheep breeds and increasing lambing percentages.
Nazeer Ahmad Baba’s Inspirational Journey:
In the midst of these challenges, Nazeer Ahmad Baba’s story emerges as a guiding light of hope and determination. A resident of village Awoora in North Kashmir’s Kupwara district, Nazeer is a young visionary who, after completing his Matriculation, chose a path of agri-entrepreneurship over conventional jobs in the private and government sectors.
Nazeer’s journey began six years ago when he embarked on an idea to start his own sheep farm. Faced with financial constraints and unable to secure assistance from the Sheep Husbandry Department, Nazeer decided to take matters into his own hands. In 2017, he realized his dream by establishing his own sheep farm, albeit starting small with just twenty-seven ewes and three rams.
Through sheer dedication and hard work, Nazeer’s flock steadily grew. Year by year, the number of herds multiplied, and presently, he proudly owns more than 250 sheep. His commitment to the venture saw him construct a separate shed for his farm, with an expenditure of five lakh fifty thousand rupees. Starting with limited resources, Nazeer’s unwavering determination and hard work have proven that dedication is often the key to overcoming adversity.
Nazeer’s success in sheep farming has not only transformed his own life but also brought employment opportunities to his community. He has employed two local youth on his farm, and as he envisions expanding his business in the coming years, more employment opportunities are on the horizon.
Nazeer believes in the potential of sheep farming, particularly in the region of Jammu and Kashmir. He notes that it does not require substantial investment from the farmer.
