J&K to Emulate Varanasi Dairy Model for Cooperatives
Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Rajiv Ranjan Singh, and J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah convened in Srinagar for a high-level review of livestock and fisheries in Jammu & Kashmir (J&K). Singh urged J&K officials to adopt the acclaimed Varanasi dairy cooperative model, credited for significantly boosting milk production and generating revenue from cattle by-products. Plans are underway, involving the NDDB and NFDB, to build dairy infrastructure and link farmers to markets. Authorities also virtually inaugurated a 50,000 L/day UHT milk plant in Jammu, aiming to organize the dairy sector and transition operations from informal to formal.
J&K’s livestock sector already supports 24.5 lakh cattle and yields an annual milk output of 2,875 TMT, contributing 6.25% to its GDP. Yet the chief minister noted gaps in processing for trout and mutton, emphasizing the potential of cooperatives. A ₹5,013 cr Holistic Agriculture Development Programme is underway, with ₹1,364 cr earmarked for livestock and fisheries. Embedded in the strategy is the launch of micro-level dairy enterprises, expanded fodder initiatives, and entrepreneurship in rural areas.
Industry Insight:
Replicating the Varanasi cooperative blueprint can transform J&K into a structured dairy powerhouse, optimizing production, infrastructure, and livelihoods. For investors and entrepreneurs, this signals strong market entry opportunities, public-private partnerships, and value-added processing potential, particularly in UHT, cattle waste management, and cooperative-led milksheds.
Source : Dairynews7x7 July 3rd 2025