Kashmir poultry farmers warn of sector’s collapse, Urge CM’s intervention

August 10, 2025 by News Desk

The Kashmir Poultry Farmers Association has warned Chief Minister Omar Abdullah that the Union Territory’s poultry industry is “on the brink of collapse,” threatening the livelihoods of over 5.5 lakh people and risking public health.

Local farmers say production, which once met 80–85% of J-K’s poultry demand, has fallen to just 15–20% due to policy changes, scrapping of the Rs 9/kg Lakhanpur toll, and an influx of “cheap, unhygienic” chicken from outside.

“Delay will not only destroy livelihoods but also compromise the health of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The time to act is now,” the association said in a memorandum.

The group alleges that imported poultry often consists of aged birds, transported without cold chain facilities or proper inspection, posing risks of food poisoning and antibiotic resistance.

FCIK president Shahid Kamili also backed the farmers, warning that the crisis “threatens thousands of livelihoods and the region’s food security.”

Farmers are demanding a ban on outdated or unhygienic imports, reinstatement of a protective cess, and a relief package including loan moratoriums.

They also oppose government plans to allot land to outside integrators while local farms “are left to die.”