Jammu, March 2, 2026 : The Jammu and Kashmir government is set to import four elite foreign breeds — Romanov and Finn sheep, and Boer and Swiss Alpine goats — to strengthen wool and mutton production in the Union Territory.
Officials said the Department of Sheep Husbandry Jammu and Kashmir has initiated the process to bring:
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Romanov sheep from Russia
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Finnsheep from Finland
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Boer goat from South Africa
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Swiss Alpine goat from Switzerland
The import of Boer and Swiss Alpine goats is at an advanced stage and expected to be completed within the current year.
Long-Term Genetic Upgrade Strategy
The move is aimed at improving growth rate, carcass yield, reproductive efficiency and overall flock productivity. Officials described genetic upgradation as a long-term strategy to enhance farmers’ incomes and reduce dependence on mutton imports from outside the UT.
Under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), particularly Project-24 titled “Self Sustenance in Mutton Production”, the government had already imported:
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450 Dorper sheep for Jammu Division
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450 Texel sheep for Kashmir Division
Additionally, Merino, Dorper and Texel breeds were earlier sourced from Australia.
Phased Distribution to Farmers
The imported breeds are currently being maintained at government breeding farms for multiplication. Their progeny will be distributed to farmers in phases beginning the third quarter of 2026–27 to ensure systematic genetic improvement of local flocks.
Broader Livestock Push
Officials said a comprehensive, employment-oriented strategy is being implemented to boost milk, poultry, livestock, wool, feed and fodder production, with focus on productivity enhancement, infrastructure creation and rural entrepreneurship.
To strengthen dairy output, 40 high genetic merit bulls have been imported for cattle upgradation, and 351 satellite heifer rearing units have been established.
The initiative marks a significant step toward self-sufficiency in livestock production and rural income enhancement across Jammu and Kashmir.
