BARAMULLA: The Department of Sheep Husbandry, Baramulla Thursday organized a district-level Kissan Mela-cum-Livestock Show at Kripalgarh Singhpora Pattan under the State Extension Program for Extension Reforms, a component of the centrally-sponsored Sub-Mission on Agriculture Extension (SAME) scheme. The event aimed to educate sheep and goat breeders about modern livestock practices, available schemes, and management techniques.
The program was presided over by the Director Sheep Husbandry Department Kashmir as the chief guest, with the Joint Director Extension Sheep Husbandry Department Kashmir as the guest of honor. Other participants included Dr. Abdul Qayoom, Assistant Professor at FVSC SKUAST-K, VAS Palhalan from Animal Husbandry, HDO Pattan, AD SBF Kralpathri, and SDAO Pattan.
More than 60 progressive sheep and goat breeders from Khanpeth, Pattan, and Tapper Sheep Development Blocks participated, including representatives from women and the Scheduled Tribe (ST) community. Experts from the Sheep Husbandry Department and SKUAST-K delivered lectures on surgical affections in small ruminants, winter management of livestock, and income-generating schemes available with the department.
Officials from the Animal Husbandry, Agriculture, and Horticulture departments showcased their schemes, particularly those under the Holistic Agriculture Development Program (HADP), through information stalls. Representatives from insurance companies discussed the benefits of insuring livestock against wild attacks and natural calamities. Entrepreneurs and start-ups displayed modern livestock rearing equipment to inspire breeders to adopt innovative practices.
The highlight of the event was the livestock competition, where rams, ewes, and goats were showcased and evaluated by a panel of judges. Awards were presented to the best animals in each category, including the Best Ram, Best Ewe, and Best Doe awards, along with runner-up prizes in the ram and ewe categories. Certificates of appreciation were also awarded to officials from the Khanpeth, Pattan, and Tapper Sheep Development Blocks for their outstanding contributions.
