Manzoor Ahmed from Jammu & Kashmir's Ramban district has come a long way as a successful entrepreneur – from selling dry fruits in a small shop to running a dairy farm that sells over 200 liters of milk per day.
Ahmed, who barely completed Class 12th and comes from an agricultural background always wanted to start his own dairy farm and was able to do so with the assistance of Ramban's Animal Husbandry Department.
"I had a small dry fruit shop, but it wasn't enough to support the demands of my family. I chose to start a dairy farm unit after consulting with the Animal Husbandry Department "Ahmed said.
He stated that the department guaranteed that he received the benefits of dairy farming schemes and provided him with scientific advice on how to manage his dairy farm.
With four cows, Ahmed began his dairy farm in Bankoot, Banihal. Later, under the Integrated Dairy Development Scheme, the Animal Husbandry Department approved four units of 20 cows for his farm (IDDS). According to officials, he bought the cattle from Punjab.
"Adding hybrid cattle heads helped me double the daily milk output and income as well," said Ahmed, who now sells around 200 liters of milk per day and makes a monthly profit of Rs.3 lakh. He has also employed four locals to help with the work and look after the cows. He also gets full support from his family in running the business.
As a result of his accomplishment, the Animal Husbandry Department has approved another unit of five cows for his farm. Ahmed stated that he is now able to offer a better life for his family.
"I am really grateful to the government for providing me with financial assistance in order to grow my dairy farm. Now, I plan to upgrade my dairy and install all necessary equipment such as a milking machine, milk cooler, ATM milk machine, and a generator "he added.
Based on his experience, Ahmed believes dairy farming can provide a realistic solution to the rising unemployment.
Bharat Bhushan Raina, Chief Animal Husbandry Officer (CAHO), stated that dairy production necessitates large capital investments. Farmers can obtain loan help for this purpose through a variety of ongoing government schemes.
According to him, the government is pushing dairy farming and has come up with several subsidy, loan, and other support schemes for such firms.
According to Deputy Commissioner, Ramban, Mussarat Islam, the Department of Animal Husbandry, Ramban, is assisting many farmers to help them realize their dream of setting up a dairy farm under the IDDS, he said.
Dairy farming, according to Raina, is a game changer for many farmers.
According to Deputy Commissioner Islam, numerous young people are coming forward to take advantage of employment-oriented schemes, particularly in agriculture and allied sectors, after being inspired by successful agropreneurs like Ahmed.
