Under the guidance of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the Himachal Pradesh government is actively working to strengthen rural livelihoods, with a special focus on farmers and milk producers. The objective is to make dairy farming a dependable and profitable source of income for rural households.
The state has achieved a historic milestone by providing an average monthly benefit of Rs. 34.18 crore to milk producers, the highest ever. The State Milk Federation currently collects around 2.70 lakh liters of milk per day, a significant increase from 1.57 lakh liters per day in FY 2024-25. Doorstep milk collection has especially benefited marginal producers in remote areas, providing them direct financial support and improving their socio-economic conditions.
To support farmers, the government has increased milk procurement rates over the last three years. For FY 2026-27, cow milk will be procured at Rs. 61 per litre and buffalo milk at Rs. 71 per litre. Dairy reforms have encouraged greater participation in village dairy societies, which have grown from 27,498 to 39,790, while functional cooperative societies have increased from 583 to 758.
The government is also promoting milk producer groups and women self-help groups, creating sustainable livelihood opportunities while boosting milk production in rural areas.
On the infrastructure front, Himachal Pradesh has 11 operational milk processing plants with a total capacity of 1.80 lakh liters per day. A new plant at Dhagwar in Kangra district is being set up with an initial capacity of 1.50 lakh liters per day, expandable to 3 lakh liters, reflecting long-term plans for sector growth.
To strengthen institutional support, an agreement with the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) has been signed to establish a milk union covering Kangra, Una, Hamirpur, and Chamba districts, improving collection, processing, and marketing of milk.
Capacity building is another focus area, with over 2,000 farmers trained in clean milk production and quality maintenance over the last three years with support from RTDC Jalandhar, MIT Mehsana, and NDRI Karnal. Additionally, 222 Automatic Milk Collection Units (AMCUs) and 32 Data Processing Milk Collection Units (DPMCs) have been installed to ensure transparency and fair pricing.
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said, “Providing direct financial support to farmers is a key priority. We aim to empower farmers, women, and rural youth, placing villages at the center of Himachal Pradesh’s economic growth.”
This initiative highlights the state government’s commitment to boosting rural incomes, enhancing dairy production, and fostering economic empowerment in Himachal Pradesh.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
