“Model Dairy Farms will be developed in convergence mode with other departments to enhance milk production in the state “,this was informed by the Minister for Animal, Sheep Husbandry and Fisheries Abdul Ghani Kohli during a meeting convened to review the functioning of the department here today.The Minister said that the department should work in synergy with other departments to develop modern dairies to give a fillip to milk production in the state and make dairy farming an economically viable occupation for the people .He also stressed on setting up of cooperative societies in each district which can substantially give a boost to the milk production .Underscoring the need of providing self employment opportunities to the rural masses and especially the youth in the Fisheries sector, the Minister asked Assistant Director Fisheries to identify suitable sites for constructing fish ponds in the district .Besides he also stressed on proper monitoring of the ongoing schemes and better synergy among the officers and field functionaries to achieve the set targets. Regarding the issue of poultry production, the Minister said that with an aim to enhance poultry production in the state the government contemplates to develop a village in each constituency as a poultry village .
He laid emphasis on developing high-tech infrastructure to tap the economic potential in the poultry sector .The Minister stressed that the people should be made aware about the schemes of the department so that they can avail their benefits. He asked the officers to formulate a comprehensive plan to encourage backyard poultry in a big way as it requires low investment yet is economically rewarding, adding that this will also help to cut the imports and boost local economy.Mr Kohli stressed the need to reaching out to the people and keeping them abreast with the schemes and programmes of the department and directed the concerned officers to organize awareness programs regularly.During his visit the Minister also inspected Sheep farm at Panthal and Government Hatchery at Kallar Udhampur .Deputy Commissioner Udhampur Niraj Kumar, Director Sheep Husbandry Dr. Sant Ram, Director Fisheries R.K Dogra, Joint Director Sheep Husbandry, CPO Udhampur, Deputy Director Animal husbandry and district officers of Animal Husbandry ,Sheep Husbandry and Fisheries departments were present on the occasion.