Principal Secretary to Government Dr Asgar Hassan Samoon took a comprehensive review of the activities of Animal and Sheep Husbandry Departments in Leh and Kargil Districts during a meeting at Civil Secretariat yesterday. The meeting was attended by Director Animal Husbandry Kashmir, Director Planning ASHF, Joint Director IAH&BP Kashmir, Managing Director SRTC, MD SICOP, and other senior officers of the department. Chief Animal Husbandry Officers and District Sheep Husbandry Officers of Leh and Kargil Districts joined the meeting through Video conferencing.
Dr Samoon stressed for the need to identify pragmatic goal oriented and farmer centric issues and ensure their deliverance in set timelines. Ladakh region has a rich diversity of livestock ranging from Pashmina goat to Double Humped camel and Zanskari equines. Recently the National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources, Karnal has endorsed the work of the department in documenting the traits of Ladakhi cattle and recognized it by giving it breed status. Dr Samoon laid emphasis on extending benefits to the Changpa herdesmen of Leh and asked the DSHO to set targets for providing them with shelter sheds and tents for their precious stock of Changthangi (Pashmina) goats and other livestock during the winter months.
Dr Samoon also reviewed the program for extension of rearing of Changthangi goats in non-traditional areas of Ladakh division under which around 50-70 units are to be established. He also took stock of the works program in the twin districts especially the projects under RIDF -NABARD. The stocking of medicine and feed & fodder for the impending winter season was also assessed. Director Animal Husbandry Kashmir informed that all necessary medicines & vaccines have been supplied to the districts and FMD vaccination (second round) is currently operational in both districts.
In addition the following doables were set for completion in the next 4-6 weeks - identifying model diary villages (one each in leh and kargil) for development under DEDS and RGM schemes; 50 additional NTA units for pashmina goat rearing in Drass and Zanskar areas of Kargil; urgent repairing of milk processing plant in Leh and tying it up with diary cooperative societies; training of farmers in cheese making and its proper ripening; and submission of new projects under RIDF-NABARD.