SRINAGAR: The administration of Jammu and Kashmir is taking concrete steps to bring transformation in the lives of Pastoral communities such as Gujjars, Bakerwals, and Gaddi-Sippi, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said on Monday.
He was addressing the inaugural session of a two-day workshop on pastoral challenges and the community’s role in tackling the rangeland degradation in Jammu and Kashmir.
“Pastoralism is one of the oldest professions in the world. Nomadic livestock plays an important role in the business and livelihood of the communities and it is deeply connected with heritage, culture, traditional knowledge and co-existence with nature,” the Lt Governor said.
He said, the world is recognizing the significance of Pastoralism and the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has declared 2026 as International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists.
“I consider our tribal community as protectors of forests and the climate warriors. They will certainly play a significant role in maintaining biodiversity, climate change mitigation, and contributing to growth and food security,” the Lt Governor said.
In his address on the occasion, the Lt Governor commended the endeavour of Tribal Affairs Department J&K and Regional IYRP Support Group of South Asia (RISG-SA) for organizing the workshop to deliberate the issues, challenges, resilient livelihoods and sustainable development of Pastoralism in UT of J&K.
At the inaugural session, the Lt Governor highlighted the efforts of the UT Administration, under the guidance of PM Modi to bring transformation in the lives of pastoral communities.
“PM Modi has empowered the tribal community of J&K UT and the migratory population has been brought to the mainstream of development. Forest Rights Act, rights on forest produce and various other initiatives have brought a new dawn in their lives,” the Lt Governor observed.
He also shared the measures taken by the administration to extend the socio-economic benefits and livelihood opportunities to the youth and members of families of pastoral communities and facilitate their smooth movement during migratory season.
Holistic Agriculture Development Programme has given priority to the community dependent on livestock and a campaign has been launched to conserve open range and increase green cover in the UT, he added.