In a strong push towards strengthening rural livelihoods and economic self-reliance in Jammu and Kashmir, Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Rajiv Ranjan Singh, on June 2, 2025, highlighted the transformative impact of central government schemes on the region’s fisheries and dairy sectors. He also virtually inaugurated a 50,000 litres-per-day Ultra High Temperature (UHT) Milk Processing Plant in Satwari, Jammu.
Speaking at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology in Srinagar, the Minister credited flagship schemes like the Blue Revolution, Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF), and Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) for the rapid progress in these sectors. “We are here to listen, understand your challenges, and work together. Where there is scope, there must be action,” he told an audience of progressive farmers and officials.
Highlighting key achievements, the Union Minister said milk production in Jammu and Kashmir has grown by 47% over the past decade, from 19.50 lakh tonnes in 2014–15 to 28.74 lakh tonnes in 2023–24. The per capita milk availability in the region now stands at 413 grams per day.
To promote cold-water fisheries, the Centre facilitated the import of 13.4 lakh genetically improved eyed ova of Rainbow and Brown Trout from Denmark. This initiative boosted trout production from 650 metric tonnes in 2020–21 to 2,380 metric tonnes in 2023–24, marking a significant 266% increase.
Earlier in the day, the Union Minister chaired a high-level review meeting along with Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah at the Civil Secretariat in Srinagar. The two leaders jointly inaugurated the UHT Milk Processing Plant via video conferencing.
Minister Singh noted that overall fish production in the Union Territory rose from 20,000 metric tonnes in 2013–14 to 29,000 metric tonnes in 2024–25. Trout production witnessed an eightfold increase, while trout seed production rose from 9 million to 15.2 million and carp seed production grew from 40 million to 63.5 million units.
He further informed that the Centre has committed Rs 852 crore under PMMSY to enhance fisheries in Himalayan and Northeastern states, with Rs 300 crore specifically allocated to J&K. Additionally, over Rs 120 crore in private investment in cold-water fisheries has been facilitated through FIDF.
Recognising the region’s immense potential, the Ministry has designated Anantnag as a Cold-Water Fisheries Cluster, with Kulgam and Shopian as partner districts. A Rs 100 crore proposal for an Integrated Aqua Park under PMMSY Phase-II is also under active consideration to develop Jammu and Kashmir as a national model for cold-water aquaculture.
“The time has come to convert J&K’s potential into real opportunities. Youth must be encouraged to take up small-scale fishery and dairy enterprises,” Singh said. He added that national institutions like the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) and National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) will play a key role in strengthening market linkages and ensuring sustainable rural development.
J&K Agriculture Minister Javid Ahmad Dar, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Secretary Alka Upadhyaya, and senior officials from both the Central and Union Territory administrations were also present at the event.
