Himachal Pradesh CM Initiates Milk Processing Plant; Aiding 35,000 Dairy Farmers
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Synopsis
On January 23, Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Sukhu laid the foundation stone for a modern milk processing plant in Kangra district, aimed at benefiting over 35,000 milk producers across several districts.
Key Takeaways
- Foundation stone for a milk processing plant laid.
- Will support over 35,000 milk producers.
- Initial capacity of 1.50 lakh liters per day.
- Job creation in various sectors.
- Government funding and completion by February 2026.
Shimla, Jan 23 (NationPress) In a significant move to support over 35,000 milk producers from the districts of Kangra, Mandi, Hamirpur, Chamba, and Una, the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Sukhvinder Sukhu, on Thursday inaugurated the foundation stone for an advanced milk processing facility with a daily capacity of 1.50 lakh liters (LLPD) in Kangra district.
The facility's processing capability is projected to increase to three LLPD in the future.
“This initiative will not only enhance the earnings of milk producers but also create job opportunities in areas such as milk collection, processing, quality assurance, and distribution. Furthermore, it will foster indirect employment in fields like transportation, supply chain management, and maintenance services,” stated the Chief Minister.
The entire financial backing for the construction of the facility in Dhagwar is being provided by the state government, with completion expected by February 2026.
Once the processing center is operational, farmers can expect daily payments totaling Rs 40 lakh.
Following a rise in milk prices, Milkfed has increased its daily milk procurement from 140,000 liters to 210,000 liters.
The milk processing facility will handle 1.50 lakh liters of milk daily, producing a diverse range of dairy products, including curd, lassi, butter, ghee, cheese, flavored milk, khoya, and mozzarella cheese, according to an official statement.
The capacity of the milk processing facility in Duttnagar, Shimla district, has also been enhanced from 20,000 liters to 70,000 liters per day at an investment of Rs 25.67 crore, benefiting 20,000 dairy farmers in the regions of Shimla, Kullu, Mandi, and Kinnaur.
Sukhu emphasized that bolstering the rural economy remains the government's top priority.
The government has revised the minimum support price for cow's milk from Rs 32 to Rs 45 per liter and buffalo's milk from Rs 47 to Rs 55 per liter.
He noted that in the past two years, efforts have been made to establish Himachal Pradesh as self-sufficient.
This year marks the first instance of 4,000 metric tonnes of maize cultivated via natural farming being purchased at Rs 30 per kg, with plans to procure wheat at Rs 40 per kg in the upcoming season.
