SUCCESS STORY
In Kashmir, amid the towering mountains and lush meadows, lies a time-honoured tradition of sheep farming that has woven itself into the very fabric of the valley’s history and culture. With roots reaching back thousands of years, this age-old practice not only sustains livelihoods but also forms an integral part of the cultural mosaic. In the face of rising unemployment rates, stories like that of Nazeer Ahmad Baba, a young agri-entrepreneur who ventured into sheep farming, inspire the youth of his area. Let’s delve into the fascinating journey of sheep farming in Jammu and Kashmir, from its historical origins to its thriving present.
Historical Roots
The history of sheep farming in Jammu and Kashmir underscores its enduring significance. Archaeological excavations have unearthed evidence of sheep rearing that dates back to the 3rd millennium BC. This ancient practice finds mention in the annals of Sanskrit texts, including the Rig Veda.
In a broader global historical perspective, sheep farming holds a special place as one of the oldest forms of animal husbandry. Sheep were among the first animals to be domesticated by humans, with evidence dating back over 10,000 years to regions in present-day Iraq and Iran. This ancient practice has shaped human civilization by providing sustenance through meat, wool, and other by-products.
Sheep Farming in the Indian Subcontinent
The Indian subcontinent, with its diverse climates and terrains, has been a fertile ground for sheep farming for millennia. The roots of sheep rearing in the region run deep, with archaeological evidence suggesting that sheep were domesticated in the Indus Valley Civilisation around 3300 to 1300 BC. These early sheep farmers not only reared these animals but also utilised their wool for crafting textiles, including clothing, carpets, and tapestries. Such practices find mention in ancient Sanskrit texts, underlining the integral role of sheep in the culture and economy of the Indian subcontinent.
During the Mughal period (1526-1857), sheep rearing in India, including the Jammu and Kashmir region, thrived. The Mughals, known for their affinity for luxurious textiles, imported significant quantities of sheep and wool from Central Asia. They also established sheep breeding farms in various parts of India, further contributing to the development of the sector. The British East India Company, arriving in the 17th century, made significant contributions to sheep farming in India, introducing new breeds and establishing wool mills to process Indian wool.
Post-Independence Development
In the wake of India’s independence in 1947, the government of Jammu and Kashmir recognized the critical importance of the sheep rearing industry. Consequently, a dedicated Sheep Husbandry Department was established to foster its growth. This department played a pivotal role in boosting sheep productivity and wool quality.
The year 1960 marked the establishment of the Sheep Breeding and Research Farm at Dachigam, further fortifying the region’s sheep farming infrastructure. Subsequently, in 1982, the Department of Sheep Husbandry underwent bifurcation into two separate entities, one for Kashmir and one for Jammu, each helmed by a Divisional Director.
Sheep Breeds in the Valley
Today, Jammu and Kashmir proudly hosts a diverse array of sheep breeds, each adding to the rich tapestry of the region’s sheep farming heritage.
- Kashmiri Merino: Renowned for its fine and luxurious wool, the Kashmiri Merino has been prized for centuries. The softness and warmth of its wool make it a preferred choice for crafting exquisite shawls and textiles.
- Gurezi: Among the Kashmiri breeds, Gurezi sheep are the largest. They are known for their coarse white wool and robust constitution, making them well-suited to the region’s rugged terrain.
- Bakharwal: Bakharwal sheep are famed for their adaptability to high altitudes and harsh weather conditions. These sheep are often reared by the Gujjars, Bakerwals, Chopans, and Gaddies, traditional sheep-rearing communities in the region.
Contemporary Significance
In the present day, sheep farming in the valley remains a cornerstone of the local economy. It provides employment to thousands and significantly contributes to the region’s GDP. Sheep serve as a vital source of food, wool, and manure, supporting the livelihoods of countless communities.
Challenges and Prospects
Despite its historical significance, sheep farming in Jammu and Kashmir faces numerous challenges:
- Climate Change: The changing climate patterns in the region, characterized by excessive snowfall, torrential rains, and cloudbursts, pose significant threats to the well-being of sheep.
- Disease and Predation: Sheep are vulnerable to various diseases and predation by wildlife, including jackals, wolves, lynx, lions, vultures, bears, tigers, and panthers.
- Infrastructure: Inadequate infrastructure, insufficient breeding coverage, and low conception rates hinder the sector’s growth.
- Feed and Fodder: The availability of feed and fodder remains insufficient, affecting sheep nutrition and productivity.
- Marketing: Unorganized marketing, poor handling, and the lack of quality breeds and prophylactic health cover impede the sector’s development.
Efforts are underway to address these challenges. The government of Jammu and Kashmir approved a significant Rs. 329 crore five-year project in 2023, aimed at achieving self-sufficiency in mutton production and creating 6,000 jobs. This project includes initiatives such as importing high-genetic-merit sheep breeds and increasing lambing percentages.
Nazeer Ahmad Baba’s Inspirational Journey
In the midst of these challenges, Nazeer Ahmad Baba’s story emerges as a guiding light of hope and determination. A resident of Awoora in North Kashmir’s Kupwara district, Nazeer is a young visionary who, after completing his Matriculation, chose a path of agri-entrepreneurship over conventional jobs in the private and government sectors.
Nazeer’s journey began six years ago when he embarked on an idea to start his own sheep farm. Faced with financial constraints and unable to secure assistance from the Sheep Husbandry Department, Nazeer decided to take matters into his own hands. In 2017, he realised his dream by establishing his own sheep farm, albeit starting small with just twenty seven ewes and three rams.
Through sheer dedication and hard work, Nazeer’s flock steadily grew. Year by year, the number of herds multiplied, and presently, he proudly owns more than 250 sheep. His commitment to the venture saw him construct a separate shed for his farm, with an expenditure of five lakh fifty thousand rupees. Starting with limited resources, Nazeer’s unwavering determination and hard work have proven that dedication is often the key to overcoming adversity.
Nazeer’s success in sheep farming has not only transformed his own life but also brought employment opportunities to his community. He has employed two local youth on his farm, and as he envisions expanding his business in the coming years, more employment opportunities are on the horizon.
Nazeer believes in the potential of sheep farming, particularly in the region of Jammu and Kashmir. He notes that it does not require substantial investment from the farmer, as rural areas have vast pastures that can be leveraged by allowing sheep to graze during the day.
Initially met with skepticism from his family due to his educational background, Nazeer’s success has since won them over. They are now actively involved in caring for the sheep in his absence, a testament to the transformative power of dedication and entrepreneurship.
Nazeer’s story serves as an inspiration to countless unemployed, educated youth in the region who, like him, have chosen to take charge of their destinies. His journey reflects the resilience and determination of Kashmiri youth who have faced adversity, including job losses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many have sought guidance from Nazeer and established their own sheep farms, heralding a promising future for the sheep farming sector in Kashmir.
Nazeer is a vocal advocate for government support for unemployed educated youth. He believes that the government should launch more financial schemes to empower youth, enabling them to contribute positively to society and reduce unemployment burdens.
In Nazeer’s words, “Since Kashmir happens to be the place where mutton is consumed more than any other place in the country, sheep farming has great prospects and potential in Kashmir. We should not rely on imports but aim to be self-reliant in terms of meat production.”
Nazeer’s journey is not just about economic success but also a reflection of the indomitable spirit of the youth in Jammu and Kashmir. It showcases how, with determination, innovation, and the right support, traditional practices like sheep farming can not only survive but thrive in the modern world.
Conclusion
The enduring tradition of sheep farming in Jammu and Kashmir is a testament to the region’s rich cultural heritage and historical significance, both within the Indian subcontinent and in the global context. Today, as young entrepreneurs like Nazeer Ahmad Baba embrace this tradition, there is newfound hope and enthusiasm for the future of this sector. With government support and increased investment, sheep farming stands poised to not only preserve its historic roots but also to flourish as a symbol of progress and sustainable development in the valley, ensuring that this time-honoured legacy thrives for generations to come. Nazeer’s story is a living example of how the traditional and the modern can coexist, creating a brighter future for all.
(Author can be reached at: [email protected])
