DC Kathua, Director AHD jointly kick-off the event

KATHUA, March 14: A two-day exhibition of livestock and animal products called Pashu Mandi was inaugurated at the Rinderpest Check Post in Lakhanpur by Deputy Commissioner Rahul Pandey and Director Animal Husbandry Department (AHD) Jammu Shubhra Sharma. The event aims to promote the trade of livestock and animal products in the region.

Director AHD emphasised the importance of the livestock sector for the rural economy and expressed hope that the event would facilitate farmers in getting quality livestock at a one-stop platform within Jammu and Kashmir. She said that Pashu Mandi would also promote the dairy sector and generate employment opportunities for local people.

She highlighted initiatives taken by AHD to promote healthy animal rearing and ensure their welfare. She urged farmers to adopt modern animal husbandry practices to enhance productivity.

Sharma said that Pashu Mandi at Lakhanpur will be a regular monthly affair to provide quality livestock within Jammu and Kashmir, saving time and money for farmers who otherwise have to venture out to other states. The ultimate aim is to provide new avenues for farmers so that their income can be doubled.

The inauguration of Pashu Mandi was attended by senior officials from the Animal Husbandry Department, representatives from various farmer organisations and members of the local community.

Pashu Mandi is a sequel to earlier editions of Pashudhan Vyapar Mela and aims to promote the livestock sector in the region and generate awareness about animal welfare and modern animal husbandry practices.