Budgam, Mar 9: The poultry industry in Kashmir is facing a severe crisis, leaving thousands of farmers grappling with heavy financial losses and forcing many to shut down their farms.
Poultry farmers say that more than 9,000 farmers across the Valley have been severely affected by the downturn. They noted that if these farms were fully operational, the sector could produce nearly 45 lakh chickens per month, significantly helping to meet the region’s demand.
Farmers said demand for chicken in Kashmir remains high, as the population consumes more meat than in many other states. During the holy month of Ramadan, chicken consumption rises by nearly 20 per cent, further increasing demand.
According to growers, Kashmir had achieved nearly 80 percent self-sufficiency in poultry production in a few years. Production had reportedly increased from around 15 percent to nearly 85 percent due to the efforts of local farmers.
However, Shabir Ahmad, a poultry farmer, said the sector began facing serious challenges after the removal of the Lakhanpur entry tax following the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) under the “One Nation, One Tax” policy.
He said that a few years back, the government charged a Rs 9 per kilogram tax on poultry entering Kashmir through Lakhanpur.
“The tax amount went to the government treasury and indirectly supported local farmers by protecting the local market,” he said.
Farmers claim that after the tax was removed, cheaper poultry from outside markets flooded the Valley, directly affecting local producers and causing major losses.
Many farmers who had received training from the Animal Husbandry Department and availed government schemes had taken bank loans to establish poultry farms. However, they say they are now struggling to repay these loans due to the downturn in the sector.
According to farmers, losses from a single hatch can exceed ₹2 lakh, and with nearly seven hatches annually, some farmers have suffered losses of up to ₹20 lakh a year.
“Those who once provided employment are now turning into job seekers because the poultry industry in Kashmir is collapsing,” Ahmad said.
Farmers also highlighted rising operational costs, saying poultry feed and medicines are mostly sourced from outside Kashmir, which increases transportation charges. Delays in feed supply and high carriage costs further add to their difficulties.
They also pointed out that unfavourable weather conditions in Kashmir make poultry farming more challenging compared to other states, where farmers benefit from better infrastructure, stronger government support, and more suitable climatic conditions.
Farmers from Daharmuna village in central Kashmir’s Budgam district said that around 50 poultry farms in the area have shut down due to continuous losses.
The poultry farmers have appealed to the administration led by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to provide financial assistance, subsidies, and policy support to revive the struggling industry.
“We request the government to take immediate steps and support poultry farmers so that this important industry can be revived in Kashmir,” the farmers said.
By: Aala Bukhari
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