A new silage-making initiative under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) is helping farmers in Kashmir reduce costs, improve cattle nutrition and create new income opportunities. The farmer explained that the journey began with training on silage production through the Daksh Kisan portal, followed by an application under HADP. With guidance from agriculture and veterinary experts, the farmer received a subsidy of around ₹8.5 lakh and established a silage unit equipped with machinery for grass cutting, chopping, silage preparation, a tractor and a load-carrying trolley. The unit processes corn cultivated over nearly 600 kanals. The corn is chopped to the required size, preserved and then sold to dairy farmers. The business currently generates an annual turnover of around ₹8–9 lakh. The initiative has also benefited local dairy farmers. Silage that earlier cost around ₹9 per kilogram is now available at nearly ₹6, while its quality and availability have improved. Farmers report better cattle health, improved palatability and increased milk production. The initiative demonstrates how government support, modern technology and scientific farming practices can strengthen dairy farming and promote sustainable agricultural livelihoods in Kashmir.
