Reasi: The implementation of Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), Integrated Dairy Development Scheme (IDDS) and Integrated Poultry Development Programme (IPDP) has set the stage for sustained growth of Dairy and Poultry sectors in Reasi District.
Once lagging behind other districts of Jammu Division, Reasi is now progressing rapidly in livestock farming, under the leadership of Deputy Commissioner Nidhi Malik and with the efforts of Chief Animal Husbandry Officer (CAHO) Dr. Ravi Kumar Kaith and his team.
As per Dr. Kaith, Heifer Units, Automatic Milk Collection Units (AMCUs) and Free Range Poultry Units have been established across multiple blocks in the District. These units, established under HADP, IDDS and IPDP, aim to enhance livestock productivity, ensure fair returns for dairy farmers, and improve poultry farming practices.
“The Dairy sector, in particular, has received a shot in arm with the sanctioning and establishment of Heifer Units under HADP, promoting the breeding of high-yield milch animals” the DAHO said adding that high-quality milch cows and buffaloes have also been imported under the Integrated Dairy Development Scheme (IDDS) from outside J&K to improve milk production.
To streamline milk collection and quality maintenance, Automatic Milk Collection Units (AMCUs) have been set up in different blocks of the district. These units provide dairy farmers with fair and transparent pricing while ensuring high standards in milk production and supply.
In addition to dairy farming, Dr Kaith said the Department has also focused on boosting the poultry industry. “Under the Integrated Poultry Development Programme (IPDP), big broiler farms, with capacities ranging from 1,000 to 5,000 birds, have been established. Furthermore, 20 Free Range Units under HADP have been set up to promote local egg production and encourage backyard poultry farming,” he informed.
Dr. Kaith said the teams are actively interacting with livestock farmers, guiding them on the benefits of various state and central government schemes.
Through supervision of Deputy Commissioner and efforts of the Animal Husbandry Department, the District Reasi is now emerging as a model for dairy and poultry farming in Jammu Division, ensuring increased incomes and better livelihoods for livestock farmers.
