CS Ladakh calls for mission-mode transformation of Livestock, Dairy and Fisheries Sectors

LEH: Chief Secretary, Union Territory of Ladakh, Ashish Kundra, today chaired a high-level review meeting of the Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Department, calling for a comprehensive and innovative roadmap to transform the livestock, dairy, fisheries and allied sectors into major drivers of Ladakh’s rural economy.

The meeting focused on assessing the progress of departmental schemes, Special Development Projects (SDP), State Sector initiatives and Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS), while deliberating on measures to enhance livelihood opportunities for farmers, livestock rearers, pastoral communities and entrepreneurs across the Union Territory.

At the outset, Administrative Secretary, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Department, Rudra P. T. Goud, gave a detailed presentation on the department’s functioning and highlighted progress achieved under various flagship programmes and development initiatives.

The review covered key schemes including the National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP) for Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and Brucellosis, Assistance to States for Control of Animal Diseases, Mobile Veterinary Units, Livestock Census, Integrated Sample Survey, Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM), National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD) and National Livestock Mission (NLM). The meeting also examined financial and physical progress under Special Development Programme and State Sector works for 2026-27.

Reviewing the implementation status of various schemes, Chief Secretary Kundra sought detailed updates on fund utilisation, release of subsequent instalments, procurement of livestock and equipment, deployment of Mobile Veterinary Units and district-wise progress of initiatives. He directed the department to develop a comprehensive livestock database incorporating geographical distribution, species-wise population, tagging status and district-level resource mapping to enable scientific planning and evidence-based policymaking.

Emphasising the importance of maximising the benefits of Centrally Sponsored Schemes, Kundra directed officers to thoroughly analyse operational guidelines and ensure effective utilisation of available resources. He stressed focused interventions in areas such as fodder development, breed improvement, livestock insurance, artificial insemination, disease prevention and animal healthcare.

Highlighting the vast potential of Ladakh’s livestock, dairy, fisheries and pashmina sectors, the Chief Secretary said that these areas could become powerful engines of sustainable livelihood generation and economic growth. He underlined the need to shift towards cooperative-based models instead of isolated individual interventions, enabling communities to benefit from shared infrastructure, value addition and improved market linkages.

Taking note of successful dairy cooperative models in other parts of the country, Kundra directed the department to identify and strengthen promising dairy cooperative societies on a mission mode. He stressed the establishment of efficient milk collection networks, timely payments to producers, upgraded dairy infrastructure and creation of sustainable community-owned institutions.

The Chief Secretary also called for identifying and nurturing promising entrepreneurs engaged in dairy farming, fisheries, yak-based products, pashmina and other livestock-based enterprises. He suggested extending targeted support through financial assistance, common facilities, equipment, branding support and capacity-building programmes to help local enterprises expand and emerge as successful models.

Discussing Ladakh’s globally acclaimed pashmina sector, Kundra stressed the need for an integrated strategy encompassing fodder development, livestock management, cooperative marketing, processing, sorting and skill development. He suggested establishing dedicated training and extension centres in pastoral areas, especially in Changthang, to support nomadic communities and improve productivity.

The Chief Secretary further called for greater coordination among the Animal Husbandry, Agriculture, Horticulture, Industries and Cooperative Departments to create an integrated rural development framework. He noted that convergence among departments would strengthen value chains, enhance farmers’ incomes and create sustainable employment opportunities.

Suggesting innovative livelihood avenues, Kundra proposed exploring community-based pastoral tourism initiatives where visitors could experience traditional livestock rearing practices, interact with nomadic communities and understand the unique pashmina production process of Ladakh. Such initiatives, he observed, could provide additional income opportunities while preserving the region’s rich pastoral heritage.

Appreciating the efforts of the department, the Chief Secretary urged officers to move beyond conventional implementation approaches and adopt innovative, outcome-oriented strategies to position livestock and fisheries sectors as key pillars of Ladakh’s economic development.

The meeting was attended by Administrative Secretary, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Department, Rudra P. T. Goud; Director, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Department; and senior officers of the concerned departments.