Srinagar, July 30: Jammu and Kashmir produces around 8.6 million kg of wool annually, with the government focusing on scientific processing, value addition and better marketing to strengthen the sheep and wool sector.
The figures were shared during a review meeting chaired by Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Cooperative and Election Department, Javid Ahmad Dar, where the Director Sheep Husbandry presented a detailed overview of the sector’s present status, achievements and initiatives undertaken under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) and other schemes.
The meeting was informed that J&K has one of the largest sheep populations in the country, with around 43 lakh sheep. The average wool production stands at about 1.9 kg per sheep annually, with nearly 30 per cent of the wool consumed within the Union Territory while the remaining quantity is marketed outside.
Officials informed the meeting that 431 wool shearing units have been established under the Integrated Sheep Development Scheme (ISDS) and HADP with 50 per cent subsidy support. These units are aimed at improving shearing efficiency, enhancing wool quality and ensuring better animal welfare.
The Director apprised the Minister about various HADP interventions aimed at improving economic returns for sheep breeders through scientific processing, value addition of wool and pelts, and strengthening marketing mechanisms.
It was informed that Rs 64 crore has been earmarked for these interventions over a five-year period, out of which Rs 43.57 crore has already been released.
Javid Dar directed the concerned officers to speed up implementation of the remaining interventions, ensure proper utilisation of funds and establish effective monitoring mechanisms.
He stressed that the benefits of HADP schemes should reach the grassroots level and contribute towards improving the income of sheep breeders across Jammu and Kashmir.
