Mir Shabir
Dairy farming has become a crucial part of Jammu & Kashmir’s (J&K) economy, providing livelihoods for thousands of families and contributing significantly to rural development. Over the last 20 years, the region has witnessed impressive growth in milk production, increasing by 250% to reach 2,513.72 metric tonnes by 2023. With nearly 32 lakh cows and an economic contribution of ₹9,080 crore, the sector is a vital pillar for the local economy.
Despite this growth, J&K is not yet self-sufficient in milk production. Farmers face various challenges, including fodder shortages, outdated infrastructure, and tough climatic conditions, which limit the sector’s potential. This article explores how dairy farming has evolved in Kashmir, the difficulties faced by farmers, and ways to create a sustainable future for the industry.
Growth of Dairy Farming in Kashmir
Dairy farming in Kashmir was traditionally limited to meeting local needs. However, the introduction of high-yielding cow breeds like Holstein Friesian (HF) has allowed farmers to produce surplus milk, turning dairy farming into a profitable business for many.
Modern transportation systems and cooperatives, such as the Jammu & Kashmir Milk Producers Cooperative Limited (JKMPCL), locally known as Snowcap, have played a big role in this transformation. Local milk collectors, known as Goer, gather milk from farmers and deliver it to cooperatives and markets, helping ensure a steady supply chain.
Starting a dairy farm in Kashmir today requires an investment of ₹5–10 lakh, depending on the farm’s size. For instance, in 2022, Ghulam Qadir Bhat, a farmer from Budgam, spent ₹5 lakh to improve his cowshed and buy four HF cows. By using modern techniques, he now earns ₹5.05 lakh annually, after deducting operational costs of ₹3 lakh.
Challenges in Dairy Farming
While dairy farming has become a profitable business for some, many farmers face several hurdles that hinder its full potential:
1. Fodder Shortages
Only 4% of J&K’s agricultural land is used to grow fodder. This causes a huge gap, with a 67% deficit in green fodder and a 27.31% shortfall in dry fodder. As a result, farmers must buy expensive imported feed, which reduces their profits.
2. Outdated Infrastructure
Most farmers still rely on old-fashioned methods, like manual milking and simple cowsheds. Without access to modern technology such as automated milking systems, cold storage, or processing units, farmers cannot improve productivity or create value-added products like butter and cheese.
3. Limited Veterinary Services
In rural areas, veterinary care is often hard to access. Farmers struggle to get regular check-ups, vaccinations, and treatment for their livestock, which leads to poor animal health and reduced milk production.
4. Unstable Markets and Prices
Farmers frequently face fluctuating milk prices and unpredictable market demand. The lack of local facilities to process dairy products limits their ability to earn more income through items like yogurt and ghee.
5. Harsh Climatic Conditions
Winters in Kashmir are severe, which decreases milk yields and increases feed costs. Farmers also spend extra on keeping their livestock warm, adding to their expenses.
Solutions for a Brighter Future
To make dairy farming in Kashmir more sustainable and profitable, several measures can be taken:
1. Growing More Fodder
Farmers can be encouraged to grow fodder through government subsidies and incentives. Techniques like silage-making, where fodder is preserved for future use, and creating fodder banks can help ensure steady supplies during shortages.
2. Upgrading Infrastructure
Investing in modern facilities like automated milking machines, insulated cowsheds, and local dairy processing units can help farmers increase their productivity and profits.
3. Improving Veterinary Services
Introducing mobile veterinary units, telemedicine services, and training programs for farmers can significantly improve livestock health and boost milk yields.
4. Strengthening Market Access
Forming farmer-producer organizations (FPOs) can help farmers negotiate better prices for their milk. Digital platforms that connect farmers directly with buyers can also reduce reliance on intermediaries, ensuring fair pricing.
5. Supporting Indigenous Breeds
Encouraging the use of local cattle breeds like the Kashmiri or Pahari cows, which are more resilient to Kashmir’s climate, can improve milk production while reducing costs.
6. Financial Support and Training
Farmers need better access to low-interest loans, subsidies, and grants to manage their expenses. Training programs on modern dairy techniques, feed management, and marketing can help them maximize their income.
7. Adopting Climate-Resilient Practices
Providing resources for insulated cowsheds, heating systems, and drought-resistant fodder varieties can help farmers cope with extreme weather conditions.
8. Using Technology
Mobile apps and digital tools can be used to monitor cattle health, improve milk quality testing, and provide market information. These tools can streamline operations and improve transparency for farmers.
A Path to Self-Reliance
With the right investments and policies, Kashmir’s dairy sector has the potential to become self-reliant and even a model for other regions. Collaboration between the government, private sector, and local communities is essential to overcome challenges and unlock new opportunities.
Through innovative and sustainable practices, dairy farming in Kashmir can grow into a robust industry that supports farmers, meets consumer demand, and strengthens the local economy. This transformation is not just about increasing milk production but also about creating an inclusive system where farmers thrive and consumers benefit.
By addressing the concerns of farmers and investing in long-term solutions, Kashmir can move towards a future where dairy farming is a symbol of growth, sustainability, and resilience. The journey to self-reliance requires everyone—farmers, policymakers, and communities—to work together for a common goal.
