Explanation:

The Jammu and Kashmir administration has recently declared Jerri settlement in Reasi district as the first 'milk village' of the Union Territory.

The administration has also sanctioned 57 more dairy farms under the Integrated dairy development scheme (IDDS) for the hamlet.

Under the Integrated dairy development scheme (IDDS), dairy units of five animals are provided with a 50 per cent subsidy.

The scheme entails subsidy component of up to a maximum amount of Rs. 5 lakh.

The scheme also has a provision for milking machine, bulk milk cooling unit at 50 per cent subsidy (maximum Rs 5 lakh), paneer making machine, khoya making, Dahi making, cream separator, ice cream making machine, butter and ghee making machine (max subsidy Rs 3. 5 lakh), milk van (maximum subsidy Rs 2 lakh), milk ATM subsidy of Rs 5 lakh.

The establishment of the milk village and its eventual success would attract many others to launch similar units in their larger interest. Timely support and subsidies by government agencies have immensely helped farmers in establishing such self-employment ventures to earn their livelihood with dignity.