Director Sheep Husbandry Ladakh Visits Drass, Focuses on Livestock Revival and Infrastructure Development

Drass, Sept 25,2024: The Director, Sheep Husbandry Department, UT Ladakh, Dr. Iftikhar Hussain, accompanied by District Sheep Husbandry Officer Kargil, Dr. Niyazul Hasnain made his maiden visit to sub division Drass. The visit aims to assess ongoing projects, address local grievances, and strategize for revival of livestock farming in the region.

Upon arrival, Dr. Iftiqar was warmly received by the staff of the Sheep Husbandry Department in Drass. He inspected various ongoing infrastructural projects currently underway and reviewed departmental records and field performance. He instructed the staff to maintain proper records and emphasized the need for a robust plan to revive livestock farming in the area, which had been adversely impacted following the Kargil war.

During his visit, Director met with public representatives and breeders from Drass sector and gave a patient hearing to their concerns, and assured them of department’s full support. He emphasized on formulation of income-generating schemes and improvement in livestock husbandry to enhance local livelihoods and sustainable development.

Later in a meeting with the officers and officials of the Sheep Husbandry Department in Drass, the Director issued instructions for the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to monitor migratory flocks, aiming to prevent the transmission of diseases to local livestock. Additionally, he discussed key departmental issues with the army authorities, particularly concerning on the development of fodder and pasturelands.

The discussions also covered the rearing of pashmina goats for production of the world’s finest fiber, optimizing the use of lush green pastures, improving the performance of Merino sheep, and ensuring the efficient use of wool resources.