Wednesday, July 23, 2025

MD HADP commends pioneering poultry unit in B’la

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BARAMULLA, MAY 23: Sandeep Kumar (IFS), Mission Director of the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), today underscored the significance of integrated poultry farming during a visit to the newly established Composite Broiler Farm-cum-Hatchery and Feed Mill in Binner, Baramulla. This state-of-the-art facility, conceptualized and developed by local entrepreneur Khursheed Ahmad Kakroo, marks a significant stride towards poultry development and self-sufficiency in the Kashmir Division.

Kumar was accompanied by Dr. Parwinder Singh Sudan, Director, Animal Husbandry Department, Kashmir, and Dr. Rafiq Ahmad Shah, Director, Sheep Husbandry Department, Kashmir. Also joining the delegation were Yadvinder Sason, Joint Director, Agriculture; Dr. G.A. Lone, Chief Animal Husbandry Officer, Baramulla; Dr. Showkat Ahmad, District Sheep Husbandry Officer, Baramulla; Showkat AD, Fisheries; and other key sectoral officers from the Animal Husbandry Department.

The visit focused on the comprehensive inspection of the unit, which was established under HADP’s Poultry Development Programme. Officials provided an in-depth briefing on the unit’s objectives and its alignment with the broader vision for poultry sector growth in the Kashmir Division, particularly within the Baramulla district.

This pioneering unit, the first of its kind in the Kashmir Division, represents a substantial investment exceeding ₹110 lakh. It received crucial support from the Department of Animal Husbandry, Baramulla, through a ₹36 lakh departmental subsidy. The facility has sourced high-quality parent stock from one of India’s most reputable poultry enterprises. These birds are set to contribute significantly to local poultry production and self-sufficiency by laying eggs for hatching Day-Old Chicks (DOCs).

Sandeep Kumar expressed his strong interest in the unit’s operations, commending both Kakroo for his entrepreneurial spirit and the Department of Animal Husbandry for their exemplary efforts. He highlighted the transformative potential of such initiatives in enhancing rural livelihoods and bolstering the poultry sector across the valley.