Explanation:

The Jammu and Kashmir administration has designated the Jerri settlement in the Reasi district as the first 'milk village' of the Union Territory. This initiative aims to promote dairy farming and enhance the livelihoods of local farmers.

The declaration of Jerri as a milk village is part of a broader strategy to boost the dairy sector in Jammu and Kashmir. The region has a rich tradition of cattle rearing, and this initiative seeks to formalize and enhance dairy production, thereby improving the economic conditions of the local population.

In order to support this initiative, the administration has sanctioned 57 additional dairy farms under the Integrated Dairy Development Scheme (IDDS).

This scheme will provide a 50% subsidy for dairy units housing five animals, making it more accessible for local farmers to expand their operations.

Jerri currently hosts 73 individual dairy units that collectively manage around 370 cows. This concentration of dairy farming not only contributes to local milk production but also creates a sense of community among farmers, who can share resources and knowledge.

The establishment of Jerri as a milk village is expected to have several positive economic impacts:

• Increased income: Local farmers are likely to see an increase in their income as they can sell more milk and dairy products.
• Employment opportunities: The initiative is projected to create jobs, both directly in dairy farming and indirectly in related sectors such as transportation and retail.
• Sustainability: By promoting local dairy farming, the initiative aims to reduce the reliance on imported dairy products, fostering a more self-sufficient economy.