Setting a new precedent in the use of Information Technology for farmer welfare Dr Asgar Hassan Samoon Principal Secretary to Government Animal Sheep Husbandry, Fisheries & Transport held a meeting on Tuesday involving dairy farmers from all districts of the state at Civil Secretariat Srinagar. Farmer participants from Jammu and Ladakh Divisions interacted with Dr Samoon using Video Conferencing facilities of NIC. The meeting which involved a detailed review of functioning of Jammu & Kashmir Milk Producers Cooperative Limited and issues facing the dairy sector was also attended by Dr MY Chaproo, Director Animal Husbandry Kashmir; Dr Tahir H Beg, Joint Director IAH&BP Zakura, all Chief Animal Husbandry Officers of J&K, and representatives from JKMPCL, Khyber and other stakeholders in the sector.
Arguing the case of dairy farmers of the state Dr Samoon expressed his dismay over the low procurement prices being provided for milk by JKMPCL especially given the fact that the state government has been infusing crores of rupees for asset creation and dairy cooperative welfare in to JKMPCL. Despite this the dairy cooperatives in the state have registered a sharp decline over the last decade since Amul took over the reins of the Government milk plants at Cheshmashahi and Satwari. Dr Samoon reminded them that their primary objective should be strengthening of dairy sector in the state rather than earning profits.
The farmer participants from various districts urged the Animal Husbandry Department to have primary control over procurement and sale prices of milk and milk products which currently is being operated by CAPD. They also pleaded for better remunerative pricing of their produce and more government involvement in activities of JKMPCL. Director Animal Husbandry Kashmir pointed out the fact that since long no state government official has been on the board of directors of JKMPCL as such the view point and perspective planning of state government remains alien to it. The dairy farmers also sought assistance in feed and fodder activities by provision of seeds and chaff cutters. The demand of livestock insurance of high value diary animals was also raised. Dr Samoon assured that issues raised shall be attended on priority. Further seed and chaff cutters have been approved under this years National Livestock Mission and will soon be provided along with insurance for over 13 thousand animals.
Dr Samoon sought detailed projects from all Chief Animal Husbandry Officers of the state on improving dairy sector and marketing in their respective districts. Dr Samoon also specially asked for rejuvenating dairy processing activities in Ladakh division where shortage of milk is acute during winter seasons.