How Have Dairy Unions Become Powerful Symbols?

Synopsis
Rajasthan CM Bhajan Lal Sharma praises dairy unions for their role in empowering cattle rearers and highlights significant new initiatives aimed at water supply and economic growth. Discover the impact of these unions and the government's commitments to farmers and the dairy sector.
Key Takeaways
- Dairy unions symbolize strength and unity among cattle rearers.
- Women’s involvement in the dairy sector is increasing, promoting economic empowerment.
- The Alwar Milk Union has grown significantly, now handling 1.5 lakh litres of milk daily.
- Government initiatives aim to improve water supply and provide support to farmers.
- Transparent governance is a priority for the current administration.
Jaipur, May 19 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Bhajan Lal Sharma, highlighted on Monday that dairy unions have become significant symbols of the strength and unity among cattle rearers.
“These unions, which consist of small livestock owners working in an organized manner, embody the principle that cooperation is power,” the Chief Minister stated during his address at the celebrations for White Revolution Phase II and Alwar Milk Union Day in Alwar.
He pointed out that these unions have been crucial in furthering development, encouraging public participation, and fostering self-reliance, particularly through the enhanced involvement of women in the dairy industry, thereby promoting their economic empowerment.
During the event, the Chief Minister also inaugurated the foundation for a Rs 23.27 crore project aimed at improving drinking water supply in Alwar city through tube wells and pipelines.
Additionally, he unveiled two new products from Alwar Dairy — Mawa and 15-kg packs of toned milk curd.
Sharma remarked: "Today marks a tribute to the relentless efforts of our farmers and cattle rearers. The Alwar Milk Union, which began as a modest initiative over 50 years ago, has evolved into a robust institution — a 'banyan tree' of success. From collecting merely 500 litres of milk in its infancy, the union now processes an impressive average of 1.5 lakh litres daily, providing direct and indirect employment to around 50,000 individuals."
He also noted the enhancement of the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi in Rajasthan from Rs 6,000 to Rs 9,000 annually and the provision of the highest wheat MSP bonus in the country.
Sharma mentioned that the Ram Jal Setu Link Project, introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will greatly enhance drinking and irrigation water supply in eastern Rajasthan, including Alwar.
He added that projects such as the Yamuna Water Agreement, Mahi-Dewas Project for the Shekhawati region, and a Rs 3,400 crore allocation for the Indira Gandhi Canal Project are currently in progress.
"Our objective is to guarantee daytime electricity for all farmers by 2027. Currently, over 60,000 farmers are already benefiting from daytime power," he highlighted. The Feeder Improvement Scheme is also being prioritized.
The Chief Minister announced that approximately Rs 30,000 crore in short-term interest-free crop loans have been provided to nearly 47 lakh farmers. The government has introduced services like a toll-free mobile veterinary helpline (1962) and the Chief Minister Mangala Pashu Bima Yojana.
Under the Rajasthan Cooperative Gopal Credit Card Loan Scheme, over 37,000 cattle rearers have received interest-free loans.
Reaffirming his government’s dedication to transparent governance, Sharma stated, "In our 17-month tenure, there hasn’t been a single paper leak. Approximately 300 individuals involved in paper leak cases from the previous administration have been apprehended and incarcerated."