Bandipora, Oct 02: Shunning social norms, a youth from North Kashmir’s Bandipora district embraced sheep farming as a path to self-reliance.
Hailing from Gounchipora village of Sub District Sumbal, Hussain holds a postgraduate degree in history. After completing his education, he secured a position in a multinational company in Delhi.
While Hussain earned a comfortable income in the corporate world, he harboured a strong desire to contribute to his homeland and support his family. He returned to Kashmir with the aim of securing a government job but faced the harsh reality of unemployment.
However, instead of succumbing to an uncertain future, Hussain chose a path less travelled. He decided to pursue sheep farming as his livelihood. Despite being from a rural background, he aspired to introduce scientific management practices into traditional sheep farming to make it more profitable.
Talking to Rising Kashmir, Hussain said his journey into sheep farming began with attending training programs conducted by the Sheep Husbandry Department in Bandipora and visiting various sheep farms.
“These experiences deepened my connection to the sector and I realized that with dedication and patience, sheep farming could be a sustainable and profitable enterprise”, he added.
Hussain said he currently owns 80 sheep, consisting of 52 females and 28 males, including lambs and hoggets. “I started with a smaller number but, with guidance from the department and a focus on scientific feeding and management practices, my flock grew”.
He said that his annual net profit from sheep farming is approximately 3.5 lakh rupees, primarily from the sale of sacrificial animals during Eid-ul-azha.
He sells an average of 20-30 animals annually, with an average weaning weight of 30kg. Additionally, he uses the manure from his sheep as fertilizer for his fields and orchards, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers and lowering input costs.
Hussain said he believes that sheep farming offers significant potential, but unfortunately, those involved in the sector often face societal prejudice, discouraging many from exploring its opportunities.
He credits the Sheep Husbandry Department for providing essential technical advice and opportunities through various centrally sponsored schemes and disease control programs.
For Hussain, his dedication, close supervision, technical interest in sheep farming, and adaptability to advancements in the field have played pivotal roles in his achievements.
“I encourage the younger generation to consider agriculture and sustainable development”, he said adding that his future plans include expanding his farm and focusing on proper housing, aligned with scientific guidelines.
