Explanation:

The Jammu and Kashmir government is working on several schemes on dairy development in the Union Territory to lift the rural economy and improve livelihoods.

Being an agrarian region, the agriculture sector contributes 16.18% to Jammu and Kashmir’s GDP, of which 35% is contributed by the Dairy Sector.

Dairy is one of the most important sectors and the vast population living in rural areas relies on dairy and livestock for their livelihood.

Since the launch of ‘Operation Flood’ in 1970 which transformed India from a milk-deficient nation into the world’s largest milk producer, White Revolution is gaining momentum in the whole of the country and Jammu and Kashmir is also marching on the path.

Jammu and Kashmir milk producers cooperative limited (JKMPCL) is also working to raise the capacity from 50,000 LPD of milk production to 3 lakh LPD.

Integrated dairy development scheme (IDDS) is another scheme which not only focuses on providing financial assistance, but also supporting the dairy producer by providing milking machine, bulk milk cooling unit at 50% subsidy, paneer making machine, khoya making, dahi making, cream separator, ice cream making machine, butter and ghee making machine, milk van, milk ATM and DG Set.

The Jammu and Kashmir administration has declared Jerri settlement in Reasi district as the first ‘milk village’ of the Union Territory and sanctioned 57 more dairy farms under integrated dairy development scheme (IDDS) for the hamlet.

Apart from several schemes, the government is looking at various interventions like genetic up-gradation of cattle, cattle induction, fodder development, milk procurement and processing and health coverage and risk management.