Valley’s food industry feels strain as mutton crisis persists

SRINAGAR, July 01, 2026 — A prolonged mutton crisis is crippling Kashmir’s food industry as supplies shrink, forcing eateries to cut non-vegetarian offerings and straining local businesses. Restaurant owners report steep losses as traditional cuisine falls short of the staple mutton supply.

The supply disruption began after wholesale mutton dealers and the Kashmir Mutton Dealers Association (KMDA) suspended imports of sheep and goats into the Union Territory to protest alleged unauthorized transit charges on livestock carriers passing through Punjab. Traders say these additional fees and repeated stoppages have made routine transport untenable.

Mutton crisis drives cutbacks in local menus

Many restaurants in Srinagar and surrounding towns have drastically reduced mutton dishes. Sareer Ahmad Khan, owner of a Srinagar restaurant, said he now offers only four of the 17 mutton items he used to serve, disappointing customers who expect traditional fare.

Tourism-linked eateries report the crisis during peak visitor season is especially damaging. Aijaz Ahmad Bhat, proprietor of a family restaurant in Tangmarg, said sales have dropped sharply because customers visit specifically for mutton dishes.

Supply chain disruption echoing beyond markets

The crisis has emerged amid heightened concern over the economic activities tied to livestock trade in the Valley. Industry estimates suggest the daily livestock trade is worth nearly ₹14 crore, underscoring how integral mutton supply is to Kashmir’s economy.

Empty butcher shops and rising prices have made typical purchases more difficult for consumers. With weddings and social gatherings depending heavily on mutton, some dealers have even urged families to postpone celebrations until supplies stabilize.

Government and industry stakeholders seek resolution

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has written to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann seeking intervention to resolve the issue and restore uninterrupted livestock movement to the Valley. Traders are awaiting administrative engagement to remove alleged unauthorized levies and delays.

Industry leaders say solving transport and transit challenges is crucial to stabilizing the mutton supply chain and easing pressure on eateries, households and related small businesses. Such changes could help safeguard Kashmir’s food culture and local economy as the dispute continues.