Sustainable Poultry Farming can boost rural livelihoods in Ladakh: Dr Akhoon

ICAR, KVK Kargil hold Poultry Farming Workshop

KARGIL: Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor (CEC), LAHDC Kargil, Dr Mohd. Jaffer Akhoon on Saturday called for greater institutional support to Ladakh’s livestock sector, emphasising that sustainable poultry farming can diversify rural livelihoods, strengthen household nutrition and create new income opportunities in the Union Territory’s high-altitude regions.

Addressing a one-day workshop on “Poultry Farming in High Altitude Areas of Ladakh: Sustainable Practices and Farmers’ Empowerment” at Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Kargil, the CEC urged research institutions and government agencies to develop location-specific technologies and expand awareness programmes to enable more farmers, women and unemployed youth to benefit from livestock-based enterprises.

The workshop was organised by the All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Poultry Breeding, ICAR Leh Centre, High Altitude Livestock Research Institute (HALRI), under the patronage of University of Ladakh Vice Chancellor Prof. Saket Kushwaha. Executive Councillor for Agriculture and Horticulture Syed Agha Mujtaba attended as the Guest of Honour.

Dr Akhoon said livestock products play an important role in ensuring balanced nutrition and observed that Ladakh must preserve its traditional strengths in organic agriculture while embracing scientific innovations suited to its unique climatic conditions. Reiterating LAHDC Kargil’s commitment to the sector, he said the Hill Council would continue promoting livestock-based enterprises through subsidised schemes, revolving funds and other government support programmes.

Highlighting the district’s expanding allied agriculture sector, the CEC noted that nearly 120 fish farming units have already been established in Kargil, demonstrating the potential of alternative livelihood activities. He encouraged farmers to diversify into poultry farming and urged eligible beneficiaries to utilise government-supported schemes.

Presenting the progress of the research project, Prof. Feroz Din Sheikh, Principal Coordinator, AICRP on Poultry Breeding, said the project focuses on identifying poultry breeds suited to Ladakh’s harsh climatic conditions. He said the Vanaraja breed had demonstrated encouraging performance in body weight and egg production, while field trials of the Him Samridhi breed had also produced promising results. As part of the pilot initiative, 320 birds have been distributed among KVK Kargil, SAS&T and 12 selected farmers for field evaluation.

In his message, Vice Chancellor Prof. Saket Kushwaha identified poultry feed as one of the principal constraints to the sector and advocated establishing a feed mill in Ladakh. He reaffirmed the University of Ladakh’s commitment to supporting farmers through research, extension services, technical guidance and capacity-building programmes.

The workshop concluded with technical sessions on breed improvement, nutrition, disease management, chick rearing and sustainable poultry farming practices, providing farmers with practical insights into developing poultry as a viable livelihood option in Ladakh’s cold desert region.