The dairy industry in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) has been witnessing steady growth, with a total of 367 registered dairy units spread across the Union Territory. According to data provided by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), the twin cities of Srinagar and Jammu lead in the number of registered units, with 76 and 89, respectively. Other districts such as Kathua (30 units), Pulwama (29 units) and Ganderbal (25 units) also have a significant presence of dairy units. However, some districts, including Doda, Shopian, Poonch and Kishtwar, lag behind with only one or two registered units. This stark disparity highlights the uneven development of the dairy sector across J&K.
The dairy industry is a vital component of J&K’s agricultural economy, providing livelihoods to thousands of families. To ensure the quality and safety of dairy products such as milk, cheese, butter and other derivatives, the FSSAI plays a crucial role in setting food safety standards. The government has also undertaken several initiatives to modernize dairy infrastructure and improve production capabilities. One key focus area has been strengthening milk testing facilities at various levels—from villages to state-level laboratories—to ensure stringent quality control measures are in place.
In addition to quality control, efforts are being made to support dairy cooperatives that aim to enhance market access for local producers. These cooperatives are instrumental in improving processing infrastructure, enabling farmers to add value to their products and reach wider markets. The government has also announced plans to establish 3,000 new dairy farms across J&K in the coming years. These farms are expected to significantly boost milk production from the current 25 lakh metric tons to an ambitious target of 45 lakh metric tons within five years. Daily milk collection capacity is projected to rise from 2 lakh liters to an impressive 8.5 lakh liters per day, further strengthening the region’s dairy supply chain.
Milk production statistics for J&K have shown encouraging trends over recent years. In 2022-2023 alone, total milk production reached approximately 828 million kilograms, with Jammu district contributing the largest share at around 282 million kilograms. This growth reflects increasing demand for dairy products within J&K as well as neighboring regions. The sector has also seen a boost in employment opportunities as more farmers and entrepreneurs venture into dairy farming.
Despite these advancements, challenges persist in ensuring equitable growth across all districts. The disparity in registered dairy units between urban centers like Srinagar and Jammu versus rural areas such as Doda and Kishtwar indicates that certain regions lack adequate infrastructure or support for dairy farming. Addressing these gaps will require targeted interventions from both government agencies and private stakeholders. Additionally, while J&K accounts for about 1.04% of India’s total bovine population, there is significant untapped potential that could be harnessed through better resource allocation and training programs for farmers.
The government’s vision for transforming J&K’s dairy sector is ambitious yet achievable with sustained efforts. By investing in infrastructure development, promoting cooperative models and ensuring stringent quality control measures, J&K can position itself as a key player in India’s dairy industry. Moreover, bridging regional disparities will not only strengthen the sector but also contribute to balanced economic growth across the Union Territory.
In conclusion, while Jammu and Kashmir’s dairy industry has made commendable progress in recent years, there remains ample scope for improvement. The ongoing initiatives by the government coupled with support from organizations like FSSAI are laying a strong foundation for future growth. With strategic investments and inclusive policies, J&K can unlock its full potential in dairy farming—benefiting farmers, consumers and the overall economy alike.
