Srinagar, The dairy industry in Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing remarkable growth, with milk production nearing 30 lakh tonnes annually, marking a significant milestone for the region’s rural economy. The surge highlights the rapid expansion of dairy farming as an emerging backbone of livelihood generation across the Union Territory.
Officials and experts note that improved cattle breeds, better veterinary services, cooperative milk collection networks, and government-backed dairy development schemes have collectively contributed to this sharp rise in production. Farmers across Kashmir are increasingly adopting modern dairy practices, leading to higher productivity and better income stability.
The booming dairy sector is not only enhancing rural employment opportunities but also strengthening agri-based entrepreneurship among small and marginal farmers. Many households are now supplementing traditional agriculture with dairy farming, creating a more diversified and resilient income model.
Local milk cooperatives and private dairy units have also expanded procurement and processing capacity, ensuring better market access and fair prices for farmers. This has encouraged more youth to enter the sector, reducing migration and boosting local self-reliance.
Experts say this growth reflects a broader transformation in the region’s rural economy, aligning with goals of sustainable agriculture, livestock development, and self-reliant villages.
This development is being seen as a key example of “Badalta Kashmir”—a narrative of progress, prosperity, and economic empowerment driven by grassroots agricultural growth.
