Rabbit farming in Kashmir provides business opportunity

Srinagar, Apr 10 (ANI): The business of rabbit farming characterised by nascent and essentially small scale and cottage entrepreneurship provided an employment to a large number of people in Jammu and Kashmir.

The climatic condition of the area is conducive for rabbit rearing on commercial lines. The state is also encouraging the residents to adopt this business.

The rabbit breeds, which are popular in the area, are New Zealand White, Californian, Soviet Chinchilla and Gray Giants. These rabbits are reared for their meat as also for fur and wool.

Manzoor, in-charge of a local rabbit farm said that rabbit farming will provide a lucrative business to the residents.

"If the people run their own rabbit farms, then it will prove to be a very lucrative business. The rabbit skins, which we procure, are brought from France. They are processed. If the people here adapt this activity then we won't be required to import these skins from France and other countries," said Manzoor.

Abdul Majeed, a farmer, said that he was thinking of starting his own rabbit farm.

"I was thinking of opening my rabbit farm and apply to the government for a loan. Since there is a lot of unemployment here that's why I was planning to start this business," said Majeed.

The state of Jammu and Kashmir has over 250 private small and big rabbit farms out of which 50 are in Srinagar alone. By Parvez Butt (ANI)