Himachal Pradesh has long valued livestock as more than just a source of income—it’s a vital part of rural life, culture, and sustenance. Recognizing this, the state government has taken significant steps over the last two and a half years to promote animal husbandry as a dignified and sustainable livelihood option.
A landmark achievement under Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s leadership is the introduction of the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for cow and buffalo milk, making Himachal Pradesh the first state in India to guarantee MSP on milk. This bold initiative supports dairy farmers by ensuring fair prices. Currently, the government procures 2.25 lakh liters of cow milk daily from over 38,400 livestock owners at Rs. 51 per litre (quality-based), and 7,800 liters of buffalo milk from 1,482 farmers at Rs. 61 per litre. A pilot project for goat milk procurement at Rs. 70 per litre has also been launched.
To enhance veterinary services, 44 Mobile Veterinary Units (MVUs) operate across the state, providing door-to-door care even in remote regions. A dedicated toll-free helpline (1962) addresses livestock-related concerns, having resolved over 18,700 disease-related calls and nearly 18,000 other queries so far.
Supporting small and marginalized farmers, the government has implemented the Garbhit Pashu Aahar Yojna, offering 50% subsidized high-quality animal feed to 31,110 livestock owners. This initiative has led to healthier animals and improved milk productivity.
Poultry farming is also being boosted through the Him Poultry Scheme, with over 6 lakh one-day-old broiler chicks distributed and Rs. 6.13 crore allocated to establish 155 commercial broiler units, creating income opportunities for youth and small farmers.
To strengthen market access and fair pricing, new milk procurement cooperative societies have been formed, enrolling 5,166 farmers so far. These cooperatives aim to eliminate middlemen exploitation and ensure better profits for farmers.
The recent completion of the 21st livestock census within the stipulated time frame provides updated data critical for informed policy-making and targeted interventions.
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu reaffirmed the government’s dedication to making animal husbandry a reliable livelihood, particularly for rural youth. “These initiatives will not only strengthen the rural economy but also contribute significantly to the overall development of Himachal Pradesh,” he said.
With strong policy support, doorstep veterinary services, and assured pricing mechanisms, animal husbandry in Himachal Pradesh is becoming a thriving, self-sustaining sector—empowering farmers, creating jobs, and enhancing resilience in rural communities.
