Javid Dar Boosts J&K Livestock Sector: Modernized Cattle Feed Plant and Wool Mandi Launched in Samba
SAMBA, FEBRUARY 25, 2026: In a major move to revolutionize the agricultural and livestock landscape of Jammu and Kashmir, Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development, and Panchayati Raj, Javid Ahmad Dar, officially inaugurated a state-of-the-art modernized Cattle Feed Plant at Bari Brahmana and a newly developed Wool Trade Mandi at Kartholi.
Accompanied by MLA Vijaypur Chander Prakash Ganga and Additional Chief Secretary Dr. Ashish Chandra Verma, the Minister highlighted that these facilities represent a significant leap toward self-reliance for local farmers.
The Cattle Feed Plant, upgraded by the J&K Agro Industries Development Corporation Limited at a cost of ₹499 lakh, now features a fully automatic PLC-based system.
This high-tech integration allows for centralized process control, precise micro-dosing of nutrients, and real-time monitoring of moisture and temperature, ensuring that the livestock receive scientifically formulated, high-quality feed with minimal margin for error.
The inauguration ceremony also marked the opening of the ₹1 crore Wool Trade Mandi at Kartholi, a dedicated marketing hub developed under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP).
This Mandi is designed to empower sheep rearers by providing a transparent platform to secure remunerative prices for their wool, effectively cutting out middlemen and boosting rural incomes. Minister Javid Dar emphasized that the synergy between high-quality feed and better market access is essential for increasing milk production and improving overall animal health.
To further support the farming community, the Minister also directed the establishment of a new veterinary center in the region, ensuring that modernized infrastructure is matched by accessible healthcare for livestock. These initiatives underscore the government’s commitment to transforming J&K into a hub of modern, high-yield agriculture and animal husbandry.