Under the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the State Government of Himachal Pradesh is setting new benchmarks in the rural economy through its ambitious schemes and innovative initiatives in the dairy sector. The focus on milk production and related activities is generating employment and empowering rural communities across the State. Recognizing the pivotal role of milk production in rural development, the government has extended special preferences and support to stakeholders in this sector, with cooperative societies working tirelessly at the grassroots level and proving instrumental in these efforts.
In an era where technology dictates the pace of progress, Himachal Pradesh is making significant strides 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. Designed to process up to 3 lakh liters of milk per day, this facility will produce 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.
The government has also allocated budget provisions to provide 200 refrigerated milk vans to local youth to streamline the milk transportation process. 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 the marketing and transportation processes to ensure efficiency and quality.
The state is also bolstering the Himachal Pradesh State Milk Producer Federation (Milkfed). With 102 automatic milk collection units and 55 milk chilling plants already operational, efforts were being made to enhance milk collection from remote areas. Presently, 1,148 village dairy cooperative societies comprising 47,905 members, including 19,388 women were actively involved in this sector.
Not only this Himachal Pradesh is leading by example with a minimum support price for cow and buffalo milk increased to Rs. 45 and Rs. 55 respectively—the highest in India. 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 programmes. 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.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
