Nurturing Livelihoods: How Himachal’s Love for Livestock is Powering Rural Progress
In the heart of Himachal Pradesh’s villages, livestock is more than just a source of income—it’s a way of life, a symbol of tradition, and a pillar of rural resilience. Recognizing this deep-rooted bond, the state government has taken bold steps over the past two and a half years to uplift animal husbandry into a dignified and dependable livelihood.
One of the most groundbreaking moves came from Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, who fulfilled a major election promise by introducing a Minimum Support Price (MSP) for cow and buffalo milk. Himachal Pradesh is now the first state in India to offer MSP on milk, setting a precedent for dairy farmer empowerment.
Every day, the government procures 2.25 lakh liters of cow milk from over 38,400 livestock owners at ₹51 per liter, and 7,800 liters of buffalo milk from 1,482 farmers at ₹61 per liter. In a forward-thinking pilot, goat milk is also being procured at ₹70 per liter.
To ensure livestock health, 44 Mobile Veterinary Units now travel across the state, bringing veterinary care right to farmers’ doorsteps. A toll-free helpline (1962) has already resolved over 36,000 livestock-related queries, offering timely support to those in need.
The ‘Garbhit Pashu Aahar Yojna’ has helped over 31,000 farmers access high-quality animal feed at half the cost, boosting both animal health and milk yield. Meanwhile, the Him Poultry Scheme is opening new doors for youth and small farmers, with over 6 lakh chicks distributed and ₹6.13 crore invested in commercial broiler units.
To ensure fair pricing and reduce middlemen exploitation, new milk cooperative societies have been formed, already enrolling over 5,000 farmers. These cooperatives are helping build a more equitable and profitable dairy ecosystem.
With the successful completion of the 21st livestock census, the government is now better equipped to plan for the future. Chief Minister Sukhu reaffirmed his vision: “These efforts will not only strengthen the rural economy but also contribute significantly to the overall development of the state.”
Through consistent support, fair pricing, and accessible services, Himachal Pradesh is turning animal husbandry into a beacon of hope—empowering farmers, creating jobs, and nurturing a stronger, more self-reliant rural community.
