Bandipora, November 17: The district administration Bandipora is set to reconsider its One District One Product (ODOP) choice. Deputy Commissioner Indu Kanwal Chib has flagged a mismatch in the earlier selection of crewel-based shawls.
She noted that crewel work is not practiced in Bandipora. The district, she said, must identify a product that truly reflects its strengths.
An official spokesperson told Kashmir Convener that during the discussion in a review meeting on Monday, the sheep sector has now emerged as the leading contender.
According to officials Bandipora has more than three lakh sheep stock and 7,200 registered breeders. Nearly half of the district’s mutton demand is also met locally.
During a meeting at the Mini Secretariat, the DC said the ODOP choice must be realistic and sustainable. She stressed that Bandipora should highlight a product with genuine local presence and proven economic potential.
In an official statement issued by District Information Centre Bandipora, an official spokesperson said the Deputy Commissioner Bandipora, Indu Kanwal Chib, chaired a meeting at the Mini Secretariat to review the district’s preparedness under the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative.
During the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner emphasized review of current ODOP to explore other unique and high-potential products which may better represent the district’s economic strengths and noted that the previously communicated ODOP crewal based shawl was not actually practiced in Bandipora.
On the occasion, the DC observed that Sheep emerged as strong contender for ODOP, given Bandipora’s sizeable livestock base, comprising more than three lakh sheep, 7,200 registered breeders and nearly half of local mutton consumption being met within the district.
During the meeting, Officers also highlighted the ongoing SKUAST initiatives aimed at strengthening the Gurezi sheep breed, the inclusion of sheep as ODOP under PMFME, and the year-round demand for mutton, which provides avenues for processing, branding and marketing.
While acknowledging labour-related challenges and sustainability concerns, the Deputy Commissioner emphasised that infrastructure development remained central to any successful ODOP strategy.
“Bandipora is naturally suited for sheep rearing,” Mohammad Anwar, a livestock expert told Kashmir Convener. “Every summer, nomadic communities even bring large sheep herds from districts like Rajouri and Poonch to graze in Bandipora’s rich pastures. This shows how strong the district’s potential already is,” he added.
“Local unemployed youth can easily explore this sector,” an official from the Sheep Husbandry Department explained. “Sheep farming needs moderate investment, gives steady profit, and has a ready market for both mutton and wool. People with surplus money can also invest and expect good returns.”
“This sector offers more profit, a guaranteed market, and fewer risks compared to many other trades,” a senior officer added. “With better veterinary services, government schemes, and improved marketing, Bandipora can grow into a major sheep-farming hub.”
Earlier during the meeting, the DC issued directions to concerned departments regarding raw material support, processing facilities, market linkage, skill development, employment generation and policy alignment needed for finalising the district’s ODOP proposal.
She also directed the departments to obtain the relevant rules from the Pollution Control Committee to facilitate compliance for future processing units.
The meeting further discussed additional potential products including honey, water chestnuts, lotus stem and Gurezi potato, along with the need to promote local produce in line with the “Vocal for Local” vision.
The DC underscored that coordination between all concerned departments would be crucial for ensuring meaningful value addition and sustainable livelihood opportunities.
Among others, the meeting was attended by Assistant Commissioner Development Bandipora, GM DIC Bandipora, DSHO Bandipora, CHO Bandipora, CAO Bandipora, representatives from Handicrafts, Handloom, Employment, Revenue and ITIs attended the meeting.
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