New Delhi/Jaipur, March 27 (NationPress) Lok Sabha Speaker and Kota-Bundi MP Om Birla has presided over a critical meeting aimed at expediting the comprehensive development of the dairy industry within the Kota-Bundi area.

This session took place at the Parliament House, where Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Rajiv Ranjan Singh, along with high-ranking officials, participated. The discussions centered on reinforcing the dairy ecosystem via cooperatives and boosting income avenues for livestock farmers.

Key topics that were addressed included the expansion of dairy cooperative networks, enhancement of milk processing facilities, improved marketing strategies for milk and dairy products, and increasing livestock productivity through optimized breeding, nutrition, and healthcare services.

There was a strong emphasis on the digitization of the dairy value chain, effective manure management, and capacity-building initiatives. Birla proposed the establishment of small biogas units and fodder production plants to ensure consistent green fodder availability throughout the year.

He instructed officials to enhance the coverage of Artificial Insemination programs to elevate livestock breeds and milk yield, while also requesting regular updates on the progress of these initiatives.

Highlighting the importance of fortified procurement systems, Birla asserted the necessity to broaden dairy cooperatives to maximize milk collection, thus allowing farmers to earn additional income through animal husbandry.

Specific directions were issued to the Kota Milk Union regarding this matter. The Speaker also advocated for the extension of dairy cooperative networks to every village through the Kota Milk Union and ‘Ujala MPO’, fostering greater producer engagement, and the installation of electronic milk testing devices and bulk milk cooling units at collection points.

Furthermore, he stressed the need for ensuring 100% digital payments directly to farmers’ bank accounts while adopting sanitary milk production methods.

Using the success of Amul as a benchmark, Birla urged the Kota Milk Union to amplify its operations, boost milk processing capabilities, and grow cooperative societies. He also highlighted the importance of awareness campaigns and extending subsidies to livestock farmers under the Kota Dairy Development Scheme.

Officials indicated that measures are underway to maintain year-round green fodder availability through a cattle feed plant. Steps are also being taken to enhance livestock reproductive efficiency, with around 100 young individuals currently being trained as Artificial Insemination technicians. Birla also evaluated the advancement of the proposed Animal Veterinary College in Kota, which was announced in the state budget, and sought updates on its execution.

This meeting included attendance from the Lok Sabha Speaker’s OSD Rajiv Datta, Joint Secretary Gaurav Goyal, senior officials from the Union Ministry, and representatives from the Rajasthan Animal Husbandry Department and Kota Milk Union, who participated via video conference.