J&K plans pilot embryo transfer technology lab to boost dairy productivity

INDIA – The Jammu and Kashmir Government has considered setting up an Embryo Transfer Technology (ETT) laboratory on a pilot basis in Kashmir, India.

This is part of a wider strategy to increase milk production, improve dairy-animal genetics and raise per-animal productivity across the Union Territory.

The proposed laboratory is one of several measures being considered by the Agriculture Production Department to strengthen Jammu and Kashmir’s dairy sector.

The initiatives were outlined in response to an unstarred question raised by MLA Javaid Riyaz regarding steps being taken to increase milk production in the Union Territory.

However, authorities continue to focus on increasing overall milk production and improving productivity per animal while strengthening the supporting infrastructure dairy farmers need.

Genetic improvement is a major component of the government’s dairy development strategy. The proposed Embryo Transfer Technology laboratory would support efforts to improve the genetic potential of dairy animals.

The government is also implementing the Rashtriya Gokul Mission, which includes artificial insemination, sex-sorted semen, and other breed-improvement interventions.

These measures are intended to increase the availability of genetically superior female calves and improve the productivity of the bovine population.

The Artificial Insemination network is being strengthened through doorstep services, deployment of additional MAITRIs, quality-assured frozen semen and high-genetic-merit germplasm. The Frozen Semen Station at Ranbirbagh is also being strengthened to produce quality-assured semen doses.

Financial assistance is being provided under the Integrated Dairy Development Scheme to eligible beneficiaries to establish and expand dairy units, purchase milch animals, and develop milk-chilling and value-addition infrastructure.

The government is also using the National Programme for Dairy Development to strengthen milk procurement, chilling, processing, testing and quality-assurance infrastructure.

Meanwhile, the Jammu & Kashmir Competitiveness Improvement of Agriculture and Allied Sectors Project is supporting milk aggregation and chilling facilities, including Bulk Milk Coolers.

The programme also supports dairy processing and value addition for eligible beneficiaries, Self-Help Groups, Farmer Producer Organisations and cooperatives.

Additionally, improving feed and fodder availability is another key priority. Under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme, the government is supporting fodder cultivation and conservation, hydroponic fodder production, hay and silage making and other dairy-related activities.

Measures include the distribution of fodder seed kits, establishment of fodder depots and promotion of chaff cutters, hydroponic fodder units and hay- and silage-making facilities.

These initiatives are intended to address feed availability while supporting better animal nutrition and dairy productivity.

Concurrently, animal health is also being addressed through the Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme, which provides preventive vaccination, disease-control measures and veterinary healthcare services.

J&K is providing veterinary support through Mobile Veterinary Units and the toll-free 1962 helpline. Farmer training, capacity-building programmes, ration balancing and awareness initiatives are also being conducted with a focus on animal health, nutrition and dairy management.

The National Livestock Mission is supporting livestock development and allied activities, including livestock insurance, subject to scheme guidelines and availability of funds.

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