KARGIL: An important awareness programme was organized today by the Sheep Husbandry Department, UT Ladakh, at Barsoo Village in Sankoo Subdivision under the National Livestock Mission 2025–26, aimed at empowering farmers and strengthening the rural economy through improved livestock rearing practices.
The programme was attended by Dr. Iftikhar Hussain, Director Sheep Husbandry Department, UT Ladakh, who emphasized that livestock rearing is not only a traditional practice but also a key pillar of economic growth, nutritional security
, and livelihood generation in Ladakh’s rural landscape. He underlined that the National Livestock Mission is a flagship initiative of the Government of India to enhance productivity, ensure self-reliance, and promote scientific livestock management in remote and high-altitude regions like Kargil.
, and livelihood generation in Ladakh’s rural landscape. He underlined that the National Livestock Mission is a flagship initiative of the Government of India to enhance productivity, ensure self-reliance, and promote scientific livestock management in remote and high-altitude regions like Kargil.To support the local breeders, Dr. Hussain distributed concentrated animal feed to 250 beneficiaries at a 90% subsidized rate under the SDP Subsidy Scheme, which will help improve animal health and production.
The event saw the participation of the Councillor of Barsoo Block, more than 200 farmers, the District Sheep Husbandry Officer Kargil, and village representatives including Panchs, Sarpanchs, and religious heads. The participants appreciated the department’s outreach efforts and raised key demands such as establishing a Sheep Extension Centre, constructing shelter sheds in highland pastures, and ensuring regular feed supply to local breeders.
Highlighting the department’s commitment to developing the livestock sector, Dr. Hussain earlier visited the Karakul Sheep Farm at Khumbathang to review ongoing works under the Integrated Wool Development Programme (IWDP) 2025–26, being implemented under the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India.
The awareness programme at Barsoo marks another step towards realizing the goals of self-reliant and sustainable rural development through livestock promotion under the National Livestock Mission.
