 Early Times Report
JAMMU, May 12: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu (SKUAST-Jammu), in collaboration with ICAR-National Meat Research Institute (NMRI), Hyderabad, organized a one-day workshop on "Augmentation of Meat Production in Jammu and Kashmir" at Country Inn & Suites, Jammu. The workshop brought together eminent scientists, Director's of Animal and Sheep Husbandry Department, academicians, veterinarians, entrepreneurs, industry representatives, municipality representative, butchers/meat association representatives and progressive farmers to deliberate on scientific and sustainable strategies for enhancing meat production and achieving greater self-reliance in the region.
The workshop was organized under the patronage of Prof. B.N. Tripathi, Hon'ble Vice-Chancellor, SKUAST-Jammu, and witnessed participation from leading national institutes, including ICAR-NMRI Hyderabad, ICAR-CIRG Makhdoom, ICAR-CSWRI Avikanagar, and ICAR-DPR Hyderabad.
Addressing the gathering, experts highlighted the growing demand for meat in Jammu and Kashmir and emphasized the urgent need to bridge the significant gap between local production and consumption.
In his presidential address, Prof. B.N. Tripathi, Hon'ble Vice-Chancellor, SKUAST-Jammu, emphasized that the livestock sector plays a crucial role in ensuring nutritional security, livelihood generation, and sustainable rural development in Jammu and Kashmir. He observed that despite the region's vast potential in sheep, goat, and poultry farming, Jammu and Kashmir continues to face a substantial deficit in meat production, leading to large-scale imports from outside states. He stressed the need for coordinated efforts among universities, ICAR institutes, line departments, financial institutions, and entrepreneurs to strengthen scientific breeding programmes, feed and fodder resources, animal health services, and value-addition infrastructure. He further highlighted the importance of promoting technology-driven livestock farming and entrepreneurship to achieve greater self-reliance in meat production.
The inaugural session featured addresses by distinguished dignitaries, including Dr. S.B. Barbuddhe, Director, ICAR-NMRI Hyderabad, who underlined the importance of scientific meat production, food safety, hygienic processing, and value-addition technologies for developing a sustainable and consumer-oriented meat sector. He emphasized that Jammu and Kashmir possesses immense opportunities for livestock-based economic growth and assured continued technical support and collaboration from ICAR-NMRI for capacity building and technological interventions in the region. |
