RKD disease wreaks havoc across poultry farms in Kashmir

Recurring outbreaks lead to closure of units, farmers seek urgent government intervention

Jahangeer Ganaie

Pulwama, Jun 24 (KNO): Poultry farms across Kashmir are facing a deepening crisis as outbreak of Ranikhet Disease (RKD) has caused large-scale mortality among birds, pushing many growers to the verge of abandoning the sector altogether.

According to the details available with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) farmers from several areas, particularly Lassipora in South Kashmir’s Pulwama district, said that numerous poultry units have suffered devastating losses in recent weeks after RKD outbreaks wiped out entire flocks within just two to three days.

The disease, known for its rapid spread and high mortality rate, has left farmers struggling to recover from repeated financial setbacks.

Poultry growers, the latest wave of infections has once again exposed the vulnerability of the sector, which has already been battling challenges such as rising feed costs, low market rates and competition from poultry imports from outside the Valley. “We have witnessed birds dying in large numbers within a matter of days. In some cases, entire batches were lost before any effective treatment could be administered,” said Javid Ahmad a poultry farmer from Lassipora. “The losses are unbearable and many farmers are now seriously considering closing their farms.”

Farmers said that the recurring disease outbreaks have created fear and uncertainty among poultry growers, many of whom invested their life savings in establishing poultry units.

They added that repeated losses without adequate support or compensation have made it increasingly difficult to sustain operations.

Another poultry grower said that several farmers in Pulwama and adjoining areas have either reduced production or completely shut down their farms due to continuous disease-related losses.

“Every few months we face another outbreak. After spending heavily on chicks, feed, medicines and maintenance, seeing thousands of birds perish within days is heartbreaking. Many farmers can no longer bear these losses,” he said.

The poultry sector in Kashmir, once considered a reliable source of employment and income for thousands of families, has witnessed a steady decline over the past few years. Farmers claim that disease outbreaks, coupled with poor returns and market challenges, have forced a significant number of poultry units to cease operations.

Industry stakeholders said that Pulwama, traditionally regarded as one of Kashmir’s major poultry-producing districts, has witnessed a substantial reduction in active poultry farms. They warned that unless immediate corrective measures are taken, more units may shut down in the coming months.

“We need stronger disease surveillance, timely vaccination programmes and expert veterinary support. Farmers cannot fight these outbreaks alone,” said another poultry farmer. “The government must come forward with a comprehensive plan to save the sector.”

Growers have urged the Animal Husbandry Department and other concerned authorities to conduct regular health inspections, strengthen disease monitoring mechanisms and ensure the availability of vaccines and veterinary services at the grassroots level.

They have also demanded financial assistance and compensation for affected farmers, arguing that repeated disease outbreaks have severely impacted livelihoods and placed many families under financial stress.

“Poultry farming once generated employment for thousands of youth and contributed significantly to the local economy. If the present situation continues, more farmers will be forced to close down their units, leading to further decline in local poultry production,” farmers said.

The growers stressed that protecting the poultry sector is essential not only for safeguarding livelihoods but also for ensuring food security and reducing dependence on poultry imports from outside Kashmir.

They appealed to higher authorities to take immediate steps to address the crisis before the sector suffers irreversible damage—(KNO)