Pillar Four: Policy Catalysis and Industrial Value Addition

Creating an enabling environment for the private and cooperative sectors to prosper is crucial for economic growth. The government plays a pivotal role in this by setting strategic policies and enhancing infrastructure. One effective policy is the promotion of Integrated Farming Systems.

Encouraging small sheep flocks to graze on apple orchard grass and be fed apple pomace by orchard owners can lead to a symbiotic relationship. The sheep’s manure becomes organic fertilizer for the trees, creating a sustainable and profitable loop.

In Kashmir, the sheep industry discards valuable by-products like blood, offal, bones, fat, and pelts, amounting to significant losses annually. Establishing rendering plants to process offal, tanneries for pelts, and facilities for tallow production can capture the full value of the animals, create jobs, and increase profitability for farmers.

Organizing the market is essential. Introducing a licensing system for sacrificial animal suppliers during Eid can protect elite breeding stock. Producer cooperatives connecting directly with retailers and consumers through “Farmers’ Markets” can eliminate middlemen and ensure fair prices for farmers.

Health Department’s Critical Role

The J&K Health Department can transform into a proactive steward of public health by implementing science-based strategies. Establishing a Zoonotic Disease and Food Safety Unit with experts in veterinary, epidemiology, food science, and public health can integrate surveillance across human, animal, and environmental health.

Implementing a three-tier inspection protocol is crucial. Tier 1 involves screening imported livestock for diseases like Brucellosis and conducting radiological testing for Cesium-137 and Strontium-90. Tier 2 focuses on modernizing slaughter facilities and ensuring hygiene standards. Tier 3 extends regulations to butcher shops, markets, and restaurants for quality control.

The department can empower citizens through education programs on meat quality, storage, and cooking methods. A toll-free hotline and mobile app for reporting violations can engage the public in safeguarding public health.