Himachal Revolutionizes Rural Economy with Innovative Dairy Sector Initiatives
Under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the Himachal Pradesh State Government is revolutionizing the rural economy through ambitious schemes and innovative initiatives in the dairy sector. By focusing on milk production and related activities, the government is generating employment and empowering rural communities across the state. Recognizing the critical role of milk production in rural development, special preferences and support have been extended to stakeholders in this sector. Cooperative societies are working diligently at the grassroots level, playing a crucial role in these efforts.
In an era driven by technological advancements, Himachal Pradesh is making notable progress by upgrading its milk processing infrastructure. The Him-Ganga Yojana is a flagship initiative under which a state-of-the-art milk processing plant is being established at Dhagwar in Kangra district with an investment of Rs. 250 crore. This facility is designed to process up to 3 lakh liters of milk per day, producing various dairy products, including milk powder, curd, khoya, ghee, ice cream, flavored milk, and cheese. Advanced ultra-heat technology will ensure high-quality packaging and long-term preservation.
To streamline the milk transportation process, the government has allocated budget provisions for 200 refrigerated milk vans to local youth. Additionally, the capacity of milk plants in Kullu, Hamirpur, Nahan, and Una has been increased to 20,000 liters each. This expansion is coupled with rationalizing marketing and transportation processes to ensure efficiency and quality.
The state is also strengthening the Himachal Pradesh State Milk Producer Federation (Milkfed). With 102 automatic milk collection units and 55 milk chilling plants already operational, efforts are being made to enhance milk collection from remote areas. Currently, 1,148 village dairy cooperative societies comprising 47,905 members, including 19,388 women, are actively involved in this sector.
Moreover, Himachal Pradesh is setting a national benchmark with the highest minimum support price for cow and buffalo milk, increased to Rs. 45 and Rs. 55 respectively. This move ensures that farmers and cattle rearers receive fair prices for their produce along with quality bonuses. By integrating animal husbandry and milk production with natural farming practices, the government is committed to boosting farmers’ incomes.
With its forward-thinking approach, Himachal Pradesh aims to become a model state in the dairy sector, leveraging modern technology and development-oriented programs. The steps taken by the government are paving the way for a self-reliant Himachal, where the rural economy thrives and communities prosper. The state’s comprehensive efforts in the dairy sector highlight its dedication to holistic rural development. As Himachal Pradesh continues to implement these groundbreaking initiatives, it sets a precedent for other states to follow, demonstrating the power of strategic planning and community empowerment in transforming the rural landscape.
