Dairy farming is emerging as a major growth driver in Kashmir, with milk production in Jammu & Kashmir approaching the 30 lakh tonne mark as government interventions, improved breeding programmes, and rising farmer participation strengthen the sector. Official data indicate that milk production has increased steadily from 25.94 lakh tonnes in 2020-21 to approximately 29.74 lakh tonnes in 2024-25, representing nearly 15% growth over four years. Production rose from 27.27 lakh tonnes in 2021-22 to 28.17 lakh tonnes in 2022-23 and 28.75 lakh tonnes in 2023-24 before reaching the current level, placing the Union Territory on track to cross the 30 lakh tonne milestone.
The expansion has been supported by increased artificial insemination coverage, dairy infrastructure development, and growing interest from young entrepreneurs entering the sector. Jammu & Kashmir currently produces around 70 lakh litres of milk daily, with Kashmir contributing 40 lakh litres and Jammu 30 lakh litres. Government initiatives have helped establish thousands of new dairy units, generate rural employment, and improve livestock productivity through genetic upgradation and modern dairy practices.
The J&K government has identified dairy as a key pillar of rural economic growth and has set an ambitious target of increasing milk production to 43 lakh metric tonnes by 2030. Officials believe continued investments in breeding, veterinary services, processing infrastructure, and value-chain development will help bridge the demand-supply gap while positioning the Union Territory as a significant dairy-producing region.
Soruce: Dairynews7x7 6 june, 2026 Read full story here