BANDIPORA: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Bandipora, Manzoor Ahmad Qadri, on Thursday inspected the ongoing construction work of Kashmir Valley's maiden goat farm, a first-of-its-kind project aimed at promoting dairy goat farming in the district.

The ambitious project is being developed with financial support from NABARD, with an allocated cost of Rs.8.36 crore, and an allocation of Rs.3.5 crore under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP). The farm is being established exclusively for the promotion of dairy goat farming, and is expected to play a key role in introducing and expanding this sector in Kashmir.

On the occasion, it was informed that the farm will house 450 Swiss Alpine goats, known for their high milk yield and adaptability. The facility is designed to serve as a breeding centre besides to supply quality breeds to private sector entrepreneurs, enabling them to launch goat farming ventures with significant returns and government-backed support.

During the visit, DC expressed satisfaction over the progress of the work and appreciated the efforts of the concerned departments in bringing this pioneering project to life. He urged the executing agencies to expedite the remaining work to ensure timely completion.

On the occasion, DC said that the establishment of the goat farm is expected to boost local employment, support entrepreneurship in the dairy sector, and contribute to the larger vision of sustainable and diversified rural livelihood in the district.

DC was accompanied by DDC Member for Arin, Ghulam Mohiddin Rather; District Sheep Husbandry Officer Bandipora; ExEn R&B Bandipora; AEE R&B Bandipora; SDO Bandipora and other senior officials of the district administration during the inspection.