Srinagar: In a strong and urgent appeal, the Federation of Chambers of Industries Kashmir (FCIK) has sounded the alarm over the worsening crisis in J&K’s poultry sector, warning that the industry faces an imminent collapse if immediate corrective action is not taken. Describing the situation as a statewide economic emergency, the FCIK has called on the government to act swiftly to avert massive job losses and economic despair across rural Kashmir.
The FCIK, in collaboration with the Kashmir Valley Poultry Farmers Association (KVPFA), convened a high-level meeting on Wednesday at the FCIK headquarters to deliberate on the issue. The meeting was chaired by FCIK President Shahid Kamili and attended by senior advisory committee members Shakeel Qalander, M.D. Qureshi, and Mohammad Ashraf Mir. The KVPFA delegation, led by its president Ghulam Mohammad Bhat, comprised senior office bearers and representatives from several districts, reflecting the widespread concern among poultry farmers.
Alarming Decline in Local Production
The stakeholders expressed deep concern over the rapid downfall of the poultry industry, once hailed as a model of self-employment and entrepreneurship in Kashmir. What was once a thriving sector has been driven to the verge of collapse due to years of neglect, poor policy support, and market imbalances.
“The industry is grappling with unprecedented challenges. The government’s lack of long-term vision, combined with unregulated competition and failing infrastructure, has pushed thousands of educated youth toward joblessness and despair,” KVPFA members said.
According to the association, the local poultry industry has been suffering from sustained financial losses for over eight years. Key factors contributing to the crisis include high input costs, lack of hatcheries and feed mills, harsh climate impacts on livestock, absence of parent/grandparent stocks, and poor market accessibility.
Policy Decisions Worsen the Crisis
KVPFA highlighted that the removal of the Lakhanpur toll post and the abolition of toll taxes on poultry imports from other states have significantly harmed the local sector. “Earlier, the tax not only generated state revenue but provided a protective cushion for local producers,” they said.
Since the removal of these protective mechanisms, local poultry production has nosedived—from meeting 85% of regional demand to now barely covering 20%. KVPFA warned that the unchecked flow of low-cost, frozen, dressed chicken from outside the region is crippling the local industry.
Furthermore, concerns have been raised about the quality and safety of imported frozen chicken. Farmers alleged that substandard meat, often outdated and potentially sourced from dead or diseased birds, is flooding local markets, posing significant public health risks.
FCIK Demands Government Action
FCIK President Shahid Kamili echoed the poultry farmers’ concerns and assured that the Federation would press the government to take immediate steps. Key demands include:
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Constitution of an expert committee to assess the poultry value chain and prepare a revival roadmap.
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Introduction of realistic and sustainable policy incentives.
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Ban on the import of low-quality frozen meat to safeguard public health and local producers.
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Enforcement of strict inspection mechanisms to curb entry of substandard poultry products.
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Reintroduction of Cess or Octroi on poultry imports, in line with protective policies of other states.
