Srinagar, July 2: Union Minister for Fisheries and Animal Husbandry and Dairying today said the Centre is considering setting up an Integrated Aqua Park in J&K for ₹100-crore
“Union Government is considering a ₹100-crore proposal for an Integrated Aqua Park in J&K under PMMSY Phase-II to serve as a model for holistic cold-water aquaculture development,” he said
Earlier, Singh and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today jointly chaired a high-level review meeting of the Animal Husbandry and Fisheries sectors of Jammu & Kashmir here.
Addressing the meeting, the Union Minister underlined the immense untapped potential in J&K’s livestock and fisheries sectors and assured full support from the Centre.
“We are here today to listen, understand your challenges, and work together. Where there is scope, there must be action,” he stated.
He called for joint efforts between the Centre and J&K Government to convert potential into outcomes, adding that rural prosperity can only be achieved when economic development reaches the grassroots through sustainable livelihoods.
Union Minister said that encouraging youth to enter micro and small-scale livestock and fishery enterprises can generate employment and inclusive growth.
He informed that a detailed plan is being drawn up involving key national institutions like the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) and National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) to build strong infrastructure and link farmers to markets.
He also announced the government’s intention to hold an Exporters’ Conference and a Private Sector Investment Conference in J&K to boost entrepreneurship.
He cited the example of dairy cooperatives in Varanasi, where milk production increased manifold, and additional income was earned even from cattle waste. He urged J&K’s officials to study and replicate such successful models.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah thanked the Union Minister for his visit and reiterated the significance of such joint reviews in identifying local priorities and learning from national best practices.
The Chief Minister highlighted that while J&K contributes 90% of India’s trout production, the sector lacks organized processing and value addition. Similarly, despite high per capita meat consumption, much of the mutton is sourced from outside. He emphasized that self-sufficiency in meeting domestic demand can significantly improve incomes and reduce imports. He also spoke about the gradual decline of cooperatives in the dairy sector and assured that his government is committed to reviving cooperative culture and linking milk producers to formal processing networks.
Referring to the Holistic Agriculture Development Program (HADP), the Chief Minister said the initiative was launched to address critical gaps in oilseed production, fodder, dairy, mutton, and fisheries. He appreciated the Union Government’s support and assured that all valuable suggestions made during the review would be implemented with sincerity and urgency.
Earlier, Principal Secretary Shailendra Kumar gave a detailed presentation on the performance of the Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Departments, noting that the sectors contribute ₹12,634 crore—6.25% of J&K’s GDP. The livestock population includes 24.54 lakh cattle, 31 lakh sheep, 15 lakh goats, and 73 lakh backyard poultry, with annual milk production at 2,875 TMT and trout accounting for 90% of the national output.
Under the National Program for Dairy Development, JKMPCL is targeting ₹500 crore turnover by 2025–26, with two new milk plants underway at a cost of ₹258.10 crore. Over 11.33 lakh Kisan Credit Cards have been issued, including 2.46 lakh for AH&F. The AHIDF has achieved a 73% sanction rate, enabling private investments in dairy and poultry infrastructure.
It was noted that the ₹5,013 crore Holistic Agriculture Development Program includes ₹1,364 crore for livestock and fisheries, aiming at self-sufficiency in milk, mutton, and eggs. More than 1,800 Pashu Sakhis have been deployed, and 500 hydroponic fodder units are being set up to address green fodder needs.