SKUAST-K concludes first-ever ‘Livestock Show’ with grand prize distribution
Srinagar: The two-day Livestock Show-2025, a first-of-its-kind Pashu Dhan Mela, organized by the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) in collaboration with JK Dairy Farmers, concluded today at the Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Shuhama, with a grand prize distribution ceremony attended by hundreds of farmers, students, scientists, and stakeholders.
Minister for Agriculture Production, Government of Jammu & Kashmir, Jenab Javid Ahmad Dar, graced the valedictory function as the Chief Guest. In his address, the Minister hailed the event as a “milestone in J&K’s agricultural calendar,” commending the massive public participation and the vibrant showcasing of the region’s rich and diverse livestock wealth.
“This Mela reflects the deep-rooted connection of our people with livestock,” the Minister said, highlighting that over 50,000 people attended on the first day alone.
Congratulating SKUAST-K and JK Dairy Farmers for organizing such an inclusive and large-scale event, he emphasized the central role of the livestock sector in ensuring livelihoods, food and nutritional security, rural prosperity, and youth-led entrepreneurship. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment, under the leadership of Hon’ble Chief Minister Jenab Omar Abdullah, to strengthening dairy, poultry, sheep, and fisheries sectors. He further emphasized support through schemes such as the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), JK-CIP, and other flagship initiatives aimed at promoting precision livestock farming.
Calling for similar events at the district level, the Minister urged SKUAST-K and allied departments to broaden their outreach and engagement. “This should not be the end but the beginning of a movement to celebrate and empower our livestock farming community,” he said.
He also praised SKUAST-K’s efforts in transitioning agriculture from traditional practices to a knowledge-driven, innovation-led, and commercially viable enterprise. The presence of startups and young entrepreneurs at the Mela was especially lauded, as the Minister distributed prizes to winners of various livestock competitions, congratulating them for their excellence and dedication.
The Livestock Show-2025 featured a diverse array of exhibitions, including a Horse Show, Army Dog Skill Demonstration, Dairy Cattle and Poultry Shows, Sheep and Goat Display, Fisheries and Post-Harvest Technology Corner, Wool and Pelt Exhibits, Startup Showcases, KVK Excellence Exhibition, a Food Festival, and an Industry Zone. The event attracted over 1 lakh visitors from across Jammu and Kashmir.
A major highlight of the Mela was a captivating showcase by young horse keepers and riders from Srinagar, Baramulla, and Budgam, who demonstrated the skills and agility of their majestic horses. The pet dog and cat show, featuring trained Army dogs and locally raised pets, also drew significant attention, as did the Fancy Bird Show. Dairy farmers presented high-yielding cows, heifers, and bulls, while sheep breeders showcased large and heavy-weight sheep that attracted widespread appreciation for their size and breed quality.
Startups like KashVet Innovations, Cashmere Biotech, and others, along with Krishi Vigyan Kendras, displayed cutting-edge technologies developed under various research projects, particularly under HADP-27 (Wool and Pelt Promotion). Entrepreneurs dealing in woollen and pelt products set up vibrant stalls, drawing praise from dignitaries and visitors alike. The Industry Zone featured more than 30 stalls from livestock-associated industries, underlining the growing synergy between academia, farmers, and the private sector.
A dedicated Recreation and Fun Zone added to the festive atmosphere, where budding musical talents entertained the audience.
Speaking at the event, Director Research, SKUAST-K, Prof HR Naik commended the enthusiastic participation of farmers and applauded the Veterinary Faculty for organizing a successful livestock show. “For effective technology transfer and advanced research, we require enhanced government support,” Prof Naik said.
Dean of the Faculty, Prof RA Shah, expressed gratitude to the Hon’ble Minister for Agriculture Production, university officers, officers from the Animal and Sheep Husbandry Departments, livestock industry representatives, champion farmers, students, staff, general public, law enforcement agencies, Fire and Emergency Services, medical officers and media personnel for their presence and contribution to the event’s success.
He extended special thanks to the Advisor to the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Jenab Nasir Aslam Wani, and the Vice-Chancellor Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganai, for gracing the occasion on the first day of the show. Prof Shah acknowledged their support in inspiring farmers and youth to adopt innovative, precision-based livestock farming not just as a source of livelihood, but as a sustainable and commercially viable enterprise that plays a pivotal role in societal development.
The Livestock Show-2025 proved to be a vibrant platform for knowledge exchange, innovation, and celebration of livestock diversity in the Union Territory. With enthusiastic participation from progressive farmers, startups, faculty and government departments, the Mela is being hailed as a turning point in mainstreaming livestock-based livelihoods in J&K’s economic narrative.