Jammu, April 1: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Wednesday informed the Legislative Assembly that no specific initiative was ever undertaken to formally introduce Pashmina goat rearing in the Gurez region of north Kashmir’s Bandipora district.
In a written reply to National Conference MLA Nazir Ahmed Khan, the Minister Incharge for Agriculture Production, Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, Cooperative and Election Departments as per Kashmir Convener stated that while Pashmina goat rearing is traditionally practiced in certain high-altitude areas of the Union Territory, the Animal and Sheep Husbandry Department has not pursued any specific scheme to introduce or promote it in Gurez to date.
The government further said no such initiative is being actively pursued under the department’s existing schemes.
Responding to the legislator’s query on whether the initiative was no longer being pursued, the government said the question did not arise given the replies to the earlier parts.
However, the Minister informed the House that breed upgradation and small ruminant development programmes are being implemented across the Kashmir Valley, including the Gurez region, based on agro-climatic suitability and adaptability.
Measures presently in place include provision of sheep and goat units under various Union Territory and centrally sponsored schemes, maintenance of improved goat breeds at the Government Goat Farm in Arin Dardpora, and conservation of the indigenous Polycerous Gurezi goat breed in identified pockets, the reply stated.
The department is also exploring the introduction of suitable milch goat breeds in selected areas, including Gurez, with a view to promoting dairy-oriented goat rearing and enhancing livelihood opportunities for the local population, it added.
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