The state government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, has made concerted efforts to uplift the dairy sector.
Cow milk is now being procured at ₹45 per litre, and buffalo milk at ₹55 per litre—record rates aimed at ensuring fair remuneration for farmers. Highlighting the significance of these measures, the Chief Minister stated, “With 90% of the state’s population residing in rural areas, our goal is to bring prosperity to villages by putting money directly into the hands of the farmers.”
To ensure transparency and efficiency in milk procurement, 455 automated milk collection centres have been set up across the state. These centres, operated by Milkfed, enable doorstep milk collection from farmers, even in the remotest regions.
As part of this initiative, 5-litre milk cans are also being provided to farmers, further facilitating the process.
Beyond increased payouts, the state government is fostering long-term growth through several initiatives. Dairy development programmes have been launched in 11 districts, encompassing 1,148 village dairy cooperative societies with over 47,905 registered members.
These efforts aim to create sustainable livelihoods and strengthen the state’s dairy economy.
A notable milestone is the Him Ganga Yojna, introduced this financial year with an initial outlay of ₹500 crore. The programme includes the establishment of a 50,000-litre capacity milk processing plant in Duttnagar, Shimla, and another state-of-the-art facility in Dhagwar, Kangra, capable of processing 1.5 lakh litres of milk daily. These plants, with investments of ₹25 crore and more, will enhance milk processing capabilities and ensure better prices for farmers.
In addition to promoting dairy farming, the government is encouraging farmers to adopt natural farming methods, reducing reliance on chemical farming. This holistic approach aims to create a sustainable rural economy while improving the overall quality of life for the farming community.
Farmers like Ramesh Thakur from Kangra have expressed gratitude for the government’s initiatives. “Earlier, we struggled to make ends meet, but with the increased payouts and better procurement rates, life has become much easier. We can now invest in improving our farms and ensuring a better future for our families,” he said.
