KD NEWS SERVICE
BARAMULLA, Dec 06:
In a significant move aimed at modernising livestock rearing practices in north Kashmir, the Sheep Husbandry Department Baramulla on Saturday organised an extensive field-based exposure visit for sheep farmers under the State Extension Programme for Reforms (ATMA) and the Centrally Sponsored Scheme – Sub-Mission on Agriculture Extension (SAME). The day-long event was held at the Breed-Based Farm established under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) at Chanderhama in Pattan.
Officials said the visit was organised with a dual objective—firstly, to strengthen the technical skills of sheep farmers and secondly to promote adoption of cost-efficient, scientifically designed and commercially viable husbandry methods on field. Farmers were introduced to the operational framework of HADP, which focuses on multiple interventions including modern infrastructure support, introduction of superior genetics, innovative feeding systems and sustainable methods of small ruminant production.
During the exposure visit, host farmer Hilal Ahmad Yatoo shared his first-hand experience of setting up and operating a breed-based commercial unit. He deliberated on critical components like farm layout, breeding systems, shed planning, and feeding regimes that are essential for productivity and long-term commercial success. Farmers were taken around livestock units where a practical demonstration of Total Mixed Ration (TMR) was given, explaining how the scientifically formulated feed improves nutrient utilisation, reduces feeding costs and results in better growth rates of the flock.
One of the highlights of the event was an interactive technical session during which participants raised field-level problems encountered in breeding, flock management, lamb mortality, vaccination and feed availability. The expert team responded to each query, providing technical advice, literature support and step-wise guidance to boost farmer confidence.
Dr. Muneer Ahmad Dar, while delivering a detailed presentation, emphasised scientific breeding strategies and reproductive management protocols suited for Kashmir’s agro-climatic conditions. He explained the importance of selecting genetically superior rams, adopting performance-based selection indices, and maintaining proper breeding intervals to prevent disorders. Stressing the importance of vaccination schedules, biosecurity, disease surveillance and accurate farm records, he underlined that preventive planning dramatically reduces economic losses and enhances flock efficiency.
Complementing the discussion, Dr. Waqar Younis focused on day-to-day field management including recommended deworming calendars, critical vaccination timelines and preparedness against seasonal diseases, especially during winter. He also presented a detailed walkthrough on scientifically designed sheep farm infrastructure—highlighting the technical relevance of quarantine space, lambing pens, feeding alleys, resting areas and proper manure-management channels in maintaining hygiene and improving overall productivity.
Many visiting farmers appreciated the initiative, stating that such on-ground exposure programs help them visualise practical steps required for commercialisation, besides building confidence to shift from traditional to scientific methods. They described the visit as a learning-oriented experience that motivates them to restructure existing units using modern technology.
Officials of the Sheep Husbandry Department reaffirmed their commitment to organise similar field schools and capacity-building programmes in future as part of the department’s mission to empower local livestock farmers, enhance rural income and strengthen the sheep sector across Baramulla district.
