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Historical
Background
The
State of Jammu and Kashmir is ideally suited for rearing of sheep and goats
owing to its favourable agro-climatic conditions, rich alpine pastures and host
of other natural endowments. Sheep and goat rearing is the core activity of
rural masses in the State and plays a vital role in socio- economic upliftment
of weaker sections of the society viz; Gujjars, Bakerwals, Chopans, Gaddies and
Changpas. The Gujjars and Bakerwals have adopted the sheep and goat rearing as
their primary occupation from times immemorial and prefer to migrate in search
of pastures to feed their livestock.
Prior
to independence, no distinct breed of sheep was available in the State except a
few recognized local breeds viz. Karnahi, Gurezi, Kashmir Valley, Gaddi and
Baderwahi which were having low productivity both in respect of wool and
mutton. The livestock was mostly pigmented with low economic traits.
In order to obtain more yields, it
was necessary to improve the genetic content of the local sheep breeds.
Accordingly, the then Maharaja of the State invited Professor Alfred F. Barker
of Leeds University England to suggest measures for improving the genetic
content of the native sheep breeds. Prof. Barker visited the State in 1931 and
after assessing geo-climatic conditions of the State and technical feasibility,
he recommended importation of specific breeds and their trials for cross
breeding. The proposal was considered in 1937 and one Sheep Breeding Company
known as Kashmir Sheep Farm Private Limited was established with its headquarter
at Banihal which is at a distance of about 100 Kms from the Srinagar City.
Following the recommendations, a Sheep Breeding and Research Wing was added to
this company. After erecting some sheep sheds and staff quarters on the pasture
lands of Banihal, the company framed modus-operandi for sending sheep to high
land pastures situated at 6000 to 12000 ft. above the mean sea level during
summer and accommodating the livestock at Reasi 2000 ft. above mean sea level
during winter. Imperial Council of Agriculture Research also sanctioned a
research scheme for Banihal/Reasi farm in 1938.
Initially six Tasmanian Merino Sheep
were imported in the year 1942 for the Research Wing. By crossing local ewes
with the Merino rams under constant supervision of the researchers, a good
generation of FI and F2 was obtained in 1947. During this period, one more Sheep
Farm came up at Goabal (Kangan) in District Srinagar. However, the whole State
was upset due to tribal invasion in 1947 and the progress achieved
hither-to-fore plunged into shambles.
After independence in 1947, the
developmental activities related to sheep and goats were carried out in the
State under the auspices of Animal Husbandry Department. Dr. D.N. Koul played a
key role in implementing the Scientific Sheep Breeding Plan prepared by Dr. P.
Bhatacharya (a noted veterinarian of the country). After liquidation of the
Sheep Breeding Company in 1949, Dr. G.A. Bandey took over as the Officer
In-charge Banihal/Reasi Farm. Besides reviving the Breeding Plan, Dr. Bandey
succeeded in importing some fine wool breeds in 1951.
The Indian Council of Agriculture
Research (ICAR) provided financial assistance for implementation of a scheme for
improvement of sheep and wool at the Zaban/Reasi Farm in the year 1952. The
scheme envisaged cross breeding of local sheep with Rambouillete and continued
upto March 1958. After termination the ICAR scheme, the State Government decided
to switch over to the Rambouillete pure breeding at the farm with a view to
rapidly exploiting the achievements of cross breeding by production of large
number of fine wool rams for distribution to other Government farms and among
private flocks.
For systematic trial and research of
genetic potential, it was essential to have congenial and favorable environment.
The setting up of a bigger farm in the Kashmir Valley on the pattern of Reasi
farm was taken up in hand and the area surrounding Dachigam Rakh in District
Srinagar was found ideal for the purpose. Accordingly in 1960, Sheep Breeding
and Research Farm Dachigam came into existence. Merino
graded livestock was transferred from Banihal to Dachigam farm and work on
development of Kashmir Merino breed was intensified. In the same year, some
animals were shifted to newly established Anderwan and Billawar/Sarthal Farms
and two field extension organisations were also created one at Bhaderwah in
Jammu and the other at Beerwah in Kashmir. Subsequently, Wool Utilisation
Research Centre at Srinagar, Fleece Testing Laboratory at Dachigam and Wool
Grading and Shearing Centre at Banihal/Reasi Farm came into existence.
Inception of the Department
 In order to ensure the development
of livestock on scientific lines and for ensuring consistency and specialisation
in the field of sheep, goat and small animal development, the need for
establishment of a separate department was felt necessary. The need was further
reinforced by the fact that the geo- climatic conditions of the State
necessitate its inhabitants to use animal protein and fibre. Accordingly in
1962, Sheep Breeding and Development Department was carved out of Animal
Husbandry Department to look after the development of sheep husbandry sector in
the State and Dr. D. N. Koul (Joint Director) became the first head of the newly
established Department. Dr. G.A. Bandey took over as Joint Director in October
1964 and during the next year he was elevated as the Director, J&K Sheep
Husbandry Department.
Major expansion of the department
took place during early seventies when two posts of Dy. Directors at provincial
level were created as a1so Intensive Sheep Development Projects for migratory
sheep in the zones of Reasi/Wardwan, Kathua/Bhaderwah, Padder and Srinagar/Sonmarg
were formulated/implemented with sufficient manpower backup. Two fine wool sheep
farms at Kralpathri and Daksum also came up during the same time. At Shuhama, a
nucleus farm for production of mutton sheep was also established which was later
on transferred to Sheri-Kashmir University of Agriculture Sciences and
Technology in connection with establishment of Veterinary Science College.
In the year 1982, the Department of
Sheep Husbandry was bifurcated into two parts and accordingly two separate
Departments of Sheep Husbandry one for Kashmir and another for Jammu came into
existence. As a result of this bifurcation, the sheep husbandry sector got sharp
focus at provincial level. The Department of Sheep Husbandry Kashmir, having its
area of operation in Kashmir Division comprising of six districts of Kashmir
Valley and two districts of Ladakh, witnessed vast organisational expansion both
vertically and horizontally. At present, the Department has a staff organisation
consisting of various subject matter specialists and two major line
organisations one looking after the farms and the other field extension
activities. Each organisation is headed by a Joint Director. In the area of farm
management, the Joint Director (Farms) is assisted by senior level officers to
run the nineteen farms established so far in Kashmir Division. Similarly, to
implement and monitor various field programmes/activities, the Joint Director
(Extension) is assisted by eight District Organisations each headed by a
District Sheep Husbandry Officer and 10 Sheep and Wool Development Organisations.
Mission
of the Organisation
The mission of Sheep Husbandry
Department Kashmir is to increase the production and productivity of mutton and
wool in Kashmir Division. The task is being achieved through the intervention
and implementation of crossbreeding programmes, providing of prophylactic and
curative health care facilities to the breeders round the year, achieving higher
levels of fodder production and productivity through adoption of various
agronomic practices, promotion of scientific management of breeding practices,
and investigation and control of the livestock diseases.
Evolution
of Kashmir Merino
 KASHMIR
MERINO RAM
The Kashmir Merino breed was evolved
around 1960 at Govt. Sheep Breeding and Reserch Farm Reasi (Jammu) by crossing
local Kashmir Valley ewes with Tasmanian Merino rams. bred ewes so obtained were
then bred to Dalaine rams imported from U.S.A to produce a: stock with 75% level
of inheritance from two exotic breeds. This was followed by ~ among the 3/4th
two breed cross-breds and accompanied by a rigorous selection on the bas fleece
weight, wool quality and body weight. This group of animals was given the name
oj Merino". The Kashmir Merino Sheep are 3 to 4 times more
productive than the local she also comparable even to exotic fine wool breeds in
economic traits, besides having an ad, being resistant to the adverse climatic
conditions and diseases.
Breeding
Policy
The indigenous breeds of sheep
produce small quantity viz; only around 0.900 Kg of coarse wool and have poor
growth rate due to lack of genetic potential. Selection be consuming process,
cross breeding has been adopted as a method for bringing qui, improvement in the
native sheep. The Kashmir Merino rams together with rams of Rambouillete
and Russian Merino breeds of sheep produced at Sheep Breeding Farms were Used
for upgradation of the local sheep. Needless to mention that the
cross-bred/graded sheep produce more wool of fine quality and weigh 50-70%
heavier than the local one. However, in line with the
recommendations of the National Agriculture Commission on Sheep, Goat and
Rabbit Production, The Department has adopted the following breeding policy;
-
Crossing of Sheep in the Kashmir
Valley with Merino rams upto a level of 75% ex In the migratory flocks
of Jammu Division, the crossbred level is being maintained Rambouillete
inheritance
-
Continuance of cross-breeding
with dual purpose sheep breeds like Corriedale and Dorsat in
orchard of Kashmir Valley.
-
Up gradation of native goats
with improved variety in selected areas only,
-
Improvement of Changthangi Sheep
breeds by selective breeding.
-
Improvement of Pashmina (Changra)
Goat through rigorous selection process.
 Goat
Development
Goat is one of the earliest food-producing
animals domesticated by man and widely dii in the country. They meet the
specific needs of the mankind, particularly by producing me clothing through
fibre and providing other by-products like pelts, skin etc.
The age-old controversy on goat being responsible
for deforestation, rangeland destruc degradation of soil was the root cause for
neglect of the goats. However, one should not loose the sight of the fact that
inherent capability of~ rapid multiplication and to adopt and live in harsh
adverse and diversified conditions, e: nutrients from degraded lands has made
its existence viable.
a)
Dairy Goat Development
Commonly
known as "Poor Man's Cow", goats play an important role in improvin
economic conditions of poor rural masses in general and marginal
farmers/landless labourers ~ dependent on this ani~al as they cannot sustain
large animals) in particular.
Native breeds of dairy goats exhibit poor growth
rate and produce small quantity of mi a view to enhance the status of local
goats to make them poor man's cow in real sense, the De has established two
Dairy Goat Farms one each at Arindardpora (District Baramulla) and (District Leh)
on experimental basis by internal adjustment of the staff. At Arindardpora Dc
Farm, improved varieties of goat breeds like Alpine-cross are being maintained
and m Similarly, at Hunder Dairy Goat Farm, Swiss-Alpine and Jakhrana goats are
being mainta bucks produced are issued for cross breeding with local goats.
Jakhrana breed resulted ir increase in the production of goat milk in the
District Leh.
 b)
Pashmina Goat Development
Ladakh
region has the distinction of having the most Pashmina producing goats in the
Pashmina fibre has a unique position among animal fibres for its fineness,
warmth, d lightness, softness and ability to absorb dyes and moister. Since
olden times, Kashmir has ill Pashmina to the world by production of fine quality
woven garments and so commonly ~ "Cashmere
woof'.
There are two Pashmina producing breeds available
in the country namely Changra and Changra is found in Ladakh region of the State
and reared by Changpas-a nomadic race. ( found in the Himalayan range of the
State of Uttar Pradesh adjoining Tibet. Changra is , Pashmina producing breed of
goat found in Changthang sub-division of the Leh District, located at about
14000 ft. above the mean sea level. The area is mountainous and sandy
atmospheric temperature goes down to -40°C during winter.
The Pashmina Development was taken in hand by the
Department in 1958 when a m fann was established at Chushul (Changthang) for
breed improvement by selection. This fa later on shifted to Khuril about 30 krns.
from Nyoma in 1962 following Chinese ag~ Subsequently in 1972, another Pashmina
Goat Fann was established at Upshi Leh under assistance sponsored by the ICAR.
In District Kargil of Ladakh Division,
Pashmina Development programme was initiated by
establishment of Pashmina Goat Khangral in the year 1996-97.
The Department has adopted a policy of selective
breeding for increasing the produc Pashmina goats. For this purpose, improved
variety ofPashmina bucks produced at the two fi being distributed among the
local herds of the traditional Pashmina producing belts as well traditional
areas for extension of Pashmina production. As a result of these development in
the production as well as the productivity of Pashmina has improved
substantially. To Pashmina (under wool) of Changra goat breed is considered to
be the best in the world having fineness around 15.21 :!= 2.69 microns and the
average length is 4.30 :!= 0.56 cm. However, 1 thrust areas are as under;
-
Selective breeding for qualitative and
quantitative improvement of Pashmina
-
To bring about colour stability
-
Disease investigation-identification and
control of major diseases ofPashmina g
c)
Angora Goat Development
Angora
goats are reared in Ladakh Division of the State and two fanns stand
established, one each in the districts ofLeh and Kargil at Stakna and Puskum
respectively. 1 purpose of these fanns is to produce quality Angora bucks so
that the non-pashrnina bearing ~ converted into Angora crosses with a view to
increasing the production of Mohair (fine qUalil Mohair is used by the Ladakhies
for making woollen gannents by mixing it with sheep wool. In
Leh district, crossing of Angora goats with Malra (Non-Changra ) goats has had
impact in terms of body weight and also fine quality fibre(Mohair) production
instead of rough guard hair.
 Rabbit
Production
The State is importing rabbit furs for meeting
the raw material requirements of fur industry also sheep and goats to cater to
the demand for meat especially in Kashmir Division where the meat
consumption is on much higher side. To augment the production of both fur
and meat, a Rabbit farm was established in the year 1971 at Wusan-Pattan
(District Baramulla) with a foundation stock of 60 New Zealand White rabbits purchased from Gharsa, Himachal
Pradesh. This stock was strengthened by import of rabbits from time to time. The
idea was to popularise the consumption of rabbit meat, as a substitute for sheep
and goat meat, among the general masses and also to ( rabbit units in the
private sector by providing the entrepreneurs full technical know how and 1
support to meet the demand. While as little progress was achieved in
establishment of the unit: meat evinced poor response among the public. However,
it is expected that rabbit rearing will in Kashmir Division in the coming years
and thereby achieve the desired objectives.
Breeds maintained
Besides
various fine wool breeds like Australian Merino, Russian Merino, Russian Su the
Department has introduced some dual purpose breeds of sheep like Corridale and
Polldorset in areas like Sonawari,
Shopian and Kulgam to quickly enhance the production of
mutton. The Corridale breed has adapted well to the local environment and proved
quite popular among the breeder! Orchards.
 Field
Extension Activities
Field Extension
activities are being carried out through the network of 474 Sheep Extention
Centres spread through out the length and breadth of Kashmir Division. These
centres establish link between the Department and the breeders with a view to
implementing various developmental programmes and extension activities in the
field. Sheep Extension Centres serve as a single, system for providing breeding
cover to private sheep and goat flocks, and prophylactic and curative
animal health, promotion of scientific management of breeding practices
and host of other extensions services.
The technical personnel available at Sheep Extension Centres provide these
facilities: breeders at their doorstep. Besides, there are number of mobile and
first aid centres which are catering to the needs of the sheep and goat
breeders. However, district -wise break up of
sheep extension centres is given as under;
 Disease
Investigation Laboratory
Sheep and goats are
highly susceptible to various viral and bacterial diseases. Exotic sheep breeds
imported in the past, maintained and multiplied over the years are more prone to
diseases. The k. of incidence of the diseases is also high in Kashmir division
mainly due to importation of sheep 1m outside the State and migration of sheep
and goats from one place to another within the State. e most visible loss due to
diseases is observed in the shape of mortality of the animals, otherwise losses
manifest themselves in poor growth which in-turn results in poor meat and wool
or fibre production, loss of skin, pelts, hair, both in terms of quality and
quantity apart from the cost of treatment of sick animals.
To reduce the incidence
of diseases and mortality, Disease Investigation Laboratory was established at
Lal Mandi Srinagar in the year 1965. Over the period and with diagnoses of new
;eases, the laboratory was strengthened by way of augmentation of staff and
machinery/equipments required for the purpose. Shifted to Nowshera Srinagar in
the year 1982, the laboratory is headed by Deputy Director Research who is
assisted by subject-matter specialists in the fields of Virology, Bacteriology,
Clinical Pathology, Nutritional Analysis, Parasitology and Epidemiology. A few
small laboratories are also functioning at some farms and in the districts.
Rearing Practices
The system of sheep rearing in the State is
semi-migratory but for orchards of Kashmir plain areas of Jammu, sheep are
sedentary throughout year. The flocks in the valley are maintained by the owners
for 4 to 5 months under stall fed conditions during winter and then handed over
Chopan (Shepherd), who takes them for grazing to Sub-Alpine and Alpine pastures
from April to November and then return the sheep back to their owners.
The government livestock available at various
sheep breeding farms and sheep extension centres are maintained in sheds during
winter season. In spring animals are moved to sub-alpine and in summer to
highland pastures where they graze in open. Requisite staff of sheep breeding
farms sheep extension centres is also sent to highland pastures with a view to
provide health cover t( government as well private livestock round the clock and
also to conduct important activities related to weaning and branding.
Breeding
and Reproduction Practices
The rams are put to ewes in first week of
September and lambing starts from February
each year. Before mating, the ewes are grouped in different categories on
the basis of scare card taking into account the body weight, clean fleece
production and staple length. The selection of breeding rams conducted on the
basis of their performance i.e. fleece weight, wool quality, physical vigour,
weight and pedigree records. The breeding programme is framed in such a way so
as to avoid in breeding and all out
efforts are made to increase the lambing percentage and reduce mortality. Lambs
are tagged at birth and tattooed
after weaning. Specific numbers are allotted to each animal
in the farms and record of each individual animal is maintained to check
and monitor performance.
 Sheep Breeding
Farm
The Directorate has established 11 Sheep Breeding
Farms wherein high quality breed groups are maintained and multiplied for further propagation
in the field which in turn result in increase production and productivity of
mutton and wool. The prime objectives of the Sheep Breeding
Forms are delineated as under;
-
To produce stud rams with high genetic make up
with respect traits like high wool yield
capacity, minimum fibre diameter, maximum staple length and grease
free wool for further propagation
in the field.
-
To study the behaviour of different
strains/breed groups under prevailing agro-climatic
conditions of the valley.
-
To overcome the diseases of exotic breeds and
produce disease resistant stud rams capable of
thriving in local conditions.
-
To study the adoptability and performance of
exotic breeds
Karakul
Sheep Breeding
Karakuls are bred for the
original ornamentation of their wool cover which develops I their embryonic
development and on the first day after birth. Thy produce pelts, original in d
beautiful, strong and light fur. The lambs soon lose these properties as they
advance in age. Aft. shearing, these animals become usual rough woolly sheep.
The Department has established one Karakul Sheep
Breeding Farm at Khumbathang '(District Kargil),
which is unique in the State. The farm is situated about 30 kms from the
District Head on Kargil -Zanaskar road at an altitude of 10,000 ft. from the
mean sea level and is spread over an area
of 471 acres. Under an Indo-U.S.S.R protocol in the field of agriculture, the
State received 60 Karakul sheep
from the erstwhile U .S.S.R consisting of 50 ewes and 10 rams for studying there
performance under cold arid climatic conditions, both as pure ones and also of
their crosses with native sheep. Because of strong opposition to killing of
newly born lambs soon after their birth for sale of pelts, the original
objective has been dropped. However, this unique breed is still maintained at
the farm in view of its adoptability in cold arid desert conditions.
Pasture
Development
Natural Alpine pastures known as Bahaks or Margs
are the natural habitats of sheep who migrate from lower part of the State and
graze there from May to October. Over the year the pastures faced degradation
due to continuous and indiscriminate grazing, extinction of superior
genotypes of grasses and legumes, nomadic destruction, lack of
economically viable technolog for
improvement of the pastures and above all the non-involvement of actual users
for its protection and conservation.
For improvement of the pastures, aerial
fertilization was once done. However, efforts are made to seek special financial
dispensation for development of pastures by implementation of
programmes like conduct of aerial/manual fertilization of pastures,
eradication of toxic and obnoxious weeds,
reseeding of Clover and other fodder crops, and plantation of fodder trees.
Training
and Development of Staff
Staff training and development is an integral
part of the departmental strategy directed to successful achievement of the
goals set. Various training and development programmes are conducted, organised
and arranged for the departmental personnel with a view to sharpen their
existing capabilities and acquiring new knowledge and skills in the field of
sheep and goat rearing management.
Training modules have been devised for lower
level field functionaries to meet their specific requirements on ground. It is
mandatory for all in-service Shepherds having the requisite qualification
and direct recruits viz; Stock Assistants and Flock Supervisors to
undergo and successfully complete the
training programmes as their future promotion prospectus hinges on it. The
training is imparted at the Sheep and wool Workers Training School established
by the Department at Nowshara besides cattring to the training needs of lower
level field functionaries the
school also plays a vital role in imparting training to progressive sheep and
goat breeders.
The Department has wide ranging training and
development programmes for the officers who
are deputed to various State and National level Institutions of repute to
undergo training/refres courses in field of Animal Breeding, Nutrition,
Livestock Production and Management, Bacteriolo Pathology, Virology, Public
Health and Hygiene, Grass Land and Fodder Development etc. More ever , some
senior officers have also been to abroad for participation in advanced training
programmes.
The Department organises seminars, workshops and
conferences with a view to provid forum for the officers to interact and
exchange their ideas on Various technical issues. Besides encouraging pursuance
of higher studies, the Department also lays special emphasis on staff
development programmes especially in the fields of general managem rural
development, computerisation, and project formulation and evaluation.
 Publicity
Programmes
The Publicity Wing of the Department started
functioning in 1978 with the objectiv~ disseminate infonnation related to
developmental schemes available for the breeders as also to con mass awareness
programmes for promotion of scientific practices of sheep and goat rearing.
publicity programmes are focused to rural masses in general and Gujjars, Chopans
and Changpl particular who rear sheep .and goats as their primary occupation,
The publicity activities are undertaken by
conduct of special programmes on Radic Television, and making use of print media
and audio-visual tools. Besides playing a vital rl organising seminars,
conferences, breeders training programmes, the publicity wing also unde
publication of pamphlets and brochures which provide detailed
guidelines/information to the bn on various subjects related to sheep and goat
rearing especially the management practice! prevention and control of diseases.
Developmental
Plan Schemes
The
details regarding the schemes/programmes available with the Department for
develc of sheep and wool in Kashmir Division (including Ladakh Division) are
given as under:-
-
Direction and administration
-
Genetic improvement of farms/Livestock:-
Diagnostic/Fleece testing laboratory:- Integrated sample survey:-
-
Planning and statistics cell
-
Loans to B. V:Sc. scholars
-
Fodder development
-
Ram/Buck production programme
-
Establishment of mini sheep farms
-
Promotion of scientific management of breeding
practices among breeders
-
Improvement of migratory routes
-
Training / publicity / information
-
Upshi Pashmina Goat Project
-
Mohair Goat Farm Stakna
-
Veterinary Education and Training
-
Pashmina Development
-
Rabbit meat production
-
Sheep Farm Lakthang
-
Alpine Goat Farm
-
Karakul
Sheep Farm Khumbathang
 Products
for Marketing
By carrying out. day to day developmental
activities both at the farms and in the field Department obtains various
products/by-products like culled livestock, Wool/Pashrnina, Milk, n etc. Subject
to availability, these items can be obtained by the interested parties at v
departmental outlets indicated below.
For diagnosis of various diseases among sheep and
goats, the following tests are also being conducted in the laboratory
-
Toxin antitoxin neutralization test for
confimlation of Clostridial diseases;
-
Tube and plate agglutination tests;
-
Biochemical and sugar estimation tests
-
Gel diffusion test
-
Biological tests involving animal inoculation
with suspected and known material
-
Drug sensitivity tests
-
Use of selective and differential medias
-
Presentation of Histopathological sections
-
Calorometric determination of physiological
norms
-
Embryonated egg inoculation for diagnosis of
viral diseases
-
Faecal sample analysis for parasitic
infestation
-
Nutritional analysis of feed and fodder
samples
Moreover, the
laboratory conducted a trial to manufacture Sheep Pox Vaccine containing local
strains. The vaccine, tried under field and farm conditions, was found effective
in controlling the disease especially at the face of outbreak. The Indian
Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar (UP) declared the product as safe,
potent and viable.
Fleece Testing
Laboratory
To monitor the
improvement in wool quality and quantity, one Fleece Testing Laboratory was
established at Sheep Breeding Farm Dachigam in the year 1965. The laboratory
carries out analysis of wool samples from breeding stocks by recording staple
length, crimps, fibre diameter, medulation and clean wool yield. The staple
length and crimps are recorded through measuring scales. Similarly Ermoscopes
are used for recording fibre diameter. For finding out clean wool yield, the
sample is being scoured at scouring plant which has a capacity to scour about 8
to 10 kgs of wool per day. The laboratory activities, except scouring, are
presently being carried out at Nowshera Sheep Complex.
Sheep
Shearing
Only next to mutton,
wool is the significant sheep product. The fleece weight and its market value
get largely affected by the method adopted to shear sheep. The breeders usually
conduct hand shearing of their sheep twice in a year viz; spring and autumn
through age-old scissors/blades. This method is highly unscientific and
uneconomical as it is not only time consuming and involves more labour, but
reduces the fleece weight along-with the staple length as well. Besides, it
often leaves sheep with cuts and injuries.
To
overcome the problem, the Department introduced machine shearing of sheep in
1969 and over the years it became popular among the breeders due to its
advantages over hand shearing. Besides being cost effective, the machine
shearing enables the breeders to fetch better returns of their fleece by
obtaining increased yield and the staple length, leaving sheep to grow another
crop of good fleece by avoidance of cuts and injuries, and lastly but equally
important facilitates proper grading of fleece.
Petrol driven and
electric shearing plants are available with the Department which are being
utilised for shearing of government as well as local flocks. A nominal fee is
charged from the breeders avail of the facility. However, keeping in view the
fact that the shearing facility has had to be Dvided simultaneously at various
places during the shearing season and that there is limited number functional
shearing plants, the Department is not in a position to cater to the ever
increasing demand the breeders.
Forage
Production
Productivity
of livestock cannot be increased by merely improving the genetic potential. It
has be supplemented with proper feeding for exploiting the genetic capability.
The Forage Production Wing, inter-alia, aims at increasing the forage production
and productivity with a view to meet the requirement of fodder for the
government livestock. This is being done through introduction of high rage
yielding grasses and legumes with improved management of agronomic practices.
The agricultural
operations are carried out on departmental land available at various farms as so
in the field for production of perennial grasses and legumes like Red-Clover,
White-Clover, Tall fescue, Cox-Foot, Timothy, Rye-Grass, Lucerne and other
fodder crops like oats, M.P. Cheery, Cowpeas, maize and vegetables. With a view
to motivating the breeders to cultivate high yielding and nutritive varieties of
grasses and legumes, the Department provides them the requisite back up support
terms of
technical know-how and training besides free distribution of seeds, fertilisers
and min kits under central assistance programme.
Employment
Opportunities
The
sheep and goat rearing in Kashmir Division provides substantial employment
opportunities, as it constitutes subsidiary occupation of majority of rural
masses and primary occupation of traditional rearers like Gujjars, Chopans and
Changpas. The potential for employment generation in sheep husbandry sector is
galore by way of establishment of sheep/goat units and mini sheep farms for
which the Department provides subsidy support and technical know-how as well.
Dr. G. A. Bandey
_The legend
 Born in the year 1918
in village Branwar Tehsil Chadora, District Budgam, Dr. Bandey completed his
school education in Srinagar and did his F.Sc from S.P.College Sringar. He
joined Bombay Veterinary College in the year 1940 for training in Veterinary
Sciences. After graduating from the said College, he joined the erstwhile
Veterinary Department as Veterinary Assistant Surgeon. e worked with devotion
and dedication for about six years at different places. Thereafter, he was
posted as Veterinary Assistant Surgeon in the Sheep Breeding and Research Farm
Reasi/Banihal to Isist Dr. D. N. Koul, then officer in-charge of the said farm.
Dr, Bandey made his
mark as officer in-charge Sheep Breeding Farm Reasi/Banihai where he worked for
about eleven years and was deputed to Australia for training in sheep and wool
research. In his return from Australia, he was appointed Dy. Director, Sheep cum
Animal Husbandry Leh, Ladakh. In the year 1964, Dr. Bandey took over as Head of
the J&K Sheep Husbandry Department 1d held the said post till 1976 when he
was appointed Advisor to Government, Sheep Husbandry department. He discharged
his duties as Advisor to Govt. with aplomb till his retirement in 1978.
hereafter, Dr. Bandey continued to work for the sheep development in various
capacities till he breathed his last on 26th May 1996.
Dr. Bandey has given a
new direction to sheep development in the State. He was the brain behind
evolution of Kashmir Merino breed of sheep in the State. In recognition
of his remarkable achievements in taking sheep husbandry sector in the State to
new heights, he was conferred I.A.S in 974-75 and awarded Gold Medal in 1978.
Above all, he was awarded the country's highest civil ward viz; Padamshri in
honour of his contribution and dedication in the field of sheep development.
Sheep Husbandry Department Kashmir is in
the service of sheep and goat rearers. We shall reI come any suggestion to
improve the delivery system of our services to make it efficient and effective.
We shall also be pleased to provide any information/help related to sheep and
goats of Kashmir Division. Please contact us at the following address
Contacts:
Director, Sheep
Husbandry Department ,at Lal Mandi, Srinagar -190008 Kashrnir, J&K
(INDIA)
'Phone No: 0194-431604/0194-432063 || Fax: 0194-432063
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