Sheep and Goat Sector in J&K

Study Notes

J&K has a significant demand for mutton, consuming an average of 500-600 lakh kgs per year.
Local production is around 300-350 lakh kgs, leaving a gap of 150-300 lakh kgs that is imported from other Indian states.
This dependence on imports provides a significant opportunity for investment and job creation in the sheep and goat sector.

The J&K government launched the ISDS in 2020-21 to increase mutton production and promote entrepreneurship.
The scheme provides sheep and goat units to beneficiaries free of cost.
The livestock is retrieved in phases over five years and used to establish new units.
During FY 2020-21, 882 units (10 sheep each) and 201 units (25 sheep each) were established at a cost of ₹11.25 crore.
These units directly employed 1083 people.

In addition to the ISDS, 290 sheep and goat units were established through other Central and UT schemes, creating employment for 290 people.
Over 300 pure merino lambs were born from Australian merino sheep imported to J&K.
Another 300 lambs were born by crossing Australian sheep with Kashmir Merino breeds.
The department purchased and distributed 2300 elite rams/bucks under the National Livestock Mission (NLM) for genetic improvement of private livestock.
Approximately 1000 rams/bucks were also produced on government farms and distributed to farmers for genetic improvement.

J&K consumes 500-600 lakh kgs of mutton annually, but only produces 300-350 lakh kgs, leading to a dependence on imports.
The UT imports 150-300 lakh kgs of mutton each year, presenting investment opportunities and employment potential.

The J&K Government launched the ISDS to boost mutton production and entrepreneurship.
The scheme offers free livestock to beneficiaries, which are retrieved over 5 years for establishing new units.
During FY 2020-21, 882 units (10 sheep each) and 201 units (25 sheep each) were established, costing ₹ 11.25 crore.
The scheme created direct employment for 1083 people.

An additional 290 units were established under other Central Sector Schemes (CSS) and UT sector schemes, employing 290 individuals.
Over 300 pure merino lambs were born from elite merino sheep imported from Australia.
300 more lambs were bred by crossing Australian sheep with Kashmir Merino sheep.

The department distributed 2300 elite rams/bucks under CSS-NLM to improve livestock in the private sector.
Around 1000 rams/bucks were bred and distributed by government farms to further enhance the genetic quality of local livestock.

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