Srinagar, Mar 24 (KNO): The Government of India on Tuesday said that the National Livestock Mission (NLM) is being implemented across the country, including Jammu and Kashmir, with a focus on employment generation, entrepreneurship development and enhancement of livestock productivity.
Replying to an unstarred question in Lok Sabha, the Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying said that the re-aligned NLM, launched in 2021-22, aims at promoting sheep, goat, pig and poultry farming, besides strengthening fodder development and supporting value-added livestock enterprises.
As per official data accessed by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Jammu and Kashmir has received financial assistance under the Mission over the past few years. In 2022-23, funds amounting to Rs 675.35 lakh were utilised against a release of Rs 675.35 lakh. However, no funds were released during 2023-24, while in 2024-25, Rs 250 lakh have been allocated and fully utilised so far.
For the current financial year 2025-26 (till March 16), Jammu and Kashmir has been allocated Rs 950 lakh, out of which Rs 775.18 lakh have been utilised, indicating steady progress in implementation of the scheme in the Union Territory.
The minister said that under the entrepreneurship development component of NLM, projects related to sheep and goat farming, piggery, poultry and fodder development are being supported with capital subsidy, which is expected to generate employment and enhance the income of livestock rearers.
He said the Mission also focuses on genetic upgradation of livestock, establishment of semen banks, promotion of artificial insemination and development of quality fodder to improve productivity.
The government further informed that training programmes under the livestock and dairy sectors are being conducted through various institutions to equip farmers and entrepreneurs with modern skills.
Meanwhile, the Centre has put in place monitoring mechanisms, including an online portal, dashboard and field-level monitoring to ensure transparency and effective implementation of the Mission across states and Union Territories, including Jammu and Kashmir—(KNO)