Himachal Milkfed MSP Procurement to Benefit More Dairy Farmers

In a move aimed at widening the reach of government support to dairy farmers, the Himachal Pradesh State Cooperative Milk Producers’ Federation (Milkfed) has announced a key change in its milk procurement system. The decision is designed to ensure that the benefits of the Minimum Support Price (MSP) reach a larger number of rural households across the state.

According to a government spokesperson, the introduction of MSP for milk has already brought a noticeable transformation in the dairy sector. Farmers have increased production, and more of them are joining the cooperative network. Over the past few years, the state has significantly raised MSP rates—from ₹32 to ₹61 per litre for cow milk and from ₹47 to ₹71 per litre for buffalo milk—marking one of the biggest enhancements in support for dairy producers.

This policy shift has had a visible impact on farmer participation. The number of dairy producers linked with cooperatives has grown from around 28,600 to over 42,500 in just two years. At the same time, daily milk collection has jumped from 1.57 lakh litres to 2.20 lakh litres, reflecting rising trust in the cooperative system and steady growth in the dairy sector.

To ensure that these benefits are shared more equitably, Milkfed has now decided to set a daily procurement limit of 20 litres per producer. Officials say this step is intended to encourage more small and marginal farmers to join the system, rather than allowing a few larger producers to dominate supply.

By introducing this cap, the government hopes to create room for new entrants, expand rural participation, and boost household incomes across villages. The initiative is expected to increase registrations in dairy cooperatives while ensuring that a larger number of farmers can sell their milk at the enhanced MSP.

Reassuring farmers, the spokesperson emphasized that their welfare remains a top priority for both the state government and Milkfed. Efforts will continue to expand the dairy sector and provide better income opportunities in the future.

At the same time, dairy producers and cooperative societies have been urged to support this initiative, ensuring that the benefits of the scheme reach those who need them most. The move is seen as another step toward building a more inclusive and sustainable rural economy in Himachal Pradesh.