SUHAIL KHAN
SOPORE, Nov 28: On National Milk Day, the Sopore block in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district achieved a significant milestone by receiving the award for best milk production 2024.
Dr. Mohammad Ramzan, Livestock Development Officer (LDO) of the Sopore block, informed Kashmir Despatch that Sopore has made remarkable progress in milk production in recent times. He stated that Sopore produces 105,000 liters of milk daily, amounting to approximately 38,260 metric tons annually.
The officer said that residents of Sopore block are witnessing prosperity through a white revolution, and the block has been recognized as the best milk producer by the Department of Animal Husbandry, Kashmir.
The officer stated that the Sopore block is excelling at the national level in the White Revolution, with a substantial milk production output.
Since the implementation of the Integrated Dairy Development Scheme (IDDS), more individuals have joined the dairy business, which has not only helped hundreds of families earn a livelihood but has also played a crucial role in the white revolution.
Farmer-friendly schemes from the Department of Animal Husbandry have significantly impacted milk production.
“Earlier, we had cows that yielded 5 to 10 liters per day. Now, with better breeds available, our cows are producing 30 to 40 liters daily,” said a farmer from Model Town Sopore.
Ghulam Hassan, another farmer, mentioned that participating in animal husbandry schemes has improved his financial situation and enhanced the quality of the milk produced.
Last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the Baramulla district for leading the “white revolution,” with daily milk production surpassing 550,000 liters.
With the establishment of more than 500 dairy units in the district over the past two and a half to three years, Baramulla is becoming the face of a new white revolution, he stated.
Notably, the Animal Husbandry Department provides incentives and subsidies to support various aspects of dairy unit establishment, including milk collection, chilling, processing units, market infrastructure such as milk ATMs, and transportation systems for milk and dairy products.
