Jammu and Kashmir has announced an ambitious, multi-crore dairy transformation mission aimed at overhauling the region’s milk production, processing capacity, and value-addition ecosystem over the next seven years. The comprehensive roadmap—spanning 2026–27 to 2033–34—was unveiled during a high-level review meeting led by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, with senior officials from the Agriculture Production Department, Cooperative Department, and representatives from key financial institutions such as NABARD.
The proposed initiative seeks to bring more than five lakh dairy farmers into a structured, technology-enabled value chain. As part of this strategy, J&K will establish a network of modern, automated milk-processing plants in major milk-producing districts. Each facility will start with a high-efficiency processing capacity that can be scaled up to 1 lakh litres per day (LLPD). These units are designed to handle at least 20% of the region’s total milk output, supported by decentralized milk collection centres, chilling units, and other critical infrastructure.
The implementation model places farmers at the centre: cooperatives, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs/FPCs), and federations of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) will run the operations. Technical expertise and administrative oversight will be provided by the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) in collaboration with the J&K Animal Husbandry Department, ensuring the system adheres to high standards of quality, efficiency, and transparency.
Additional Chief Secretary (APD) Shailendra Kumar highlighted the stark contrast between J&K’s overall milk production and its current processing levels. Although the Union Territory ranks eighth nationally with an output of nearly 80 LLPD, only about 4 LLPD undergoes formal processing. The new plan aims to close this gap significantly. With a projected Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6.55%, authorities expect milk production to rise sharply, potentially reaching 50.74 million tonnes by 2031–32.
Beyond boosting output, the mission is expected to have far-reaching socio-economic benefits. By ensuring better remuneration, stable market access, and reliable demand through a transparent, organized supply chain, the initiative could transform rural livelihoods. Officials believe the programme will strengthen producer incomes, reduce regional disparities, and ultimately foster more balanced and inclusive agricultural development across Jammu and Kashmir.