Synopsis
The Gujarat government has allocated Rs 42.19 lakh to 39 dairy farmers in Gir Somnath under the 12-Milch Animal Dairy Farm Assistance Scheme for 2023-24, reinforcing their commitment to the dairy sector and sustainable livelihoods.Key Takeaways
- Financial aid of Rs 42.19 lakh provided to dairy farmers.
- 39 farmers benefited in Gir Somnath district.
- Scheme aims at improving farmers' income.
- Gujarat is India's largest milk producer.
- Focus on cooperative dairy farming with over a million members.
Gandhinagar, March 12 (NationPress) The Gujarat Animal Husbandry Minister Raghavji Patel announced in the Assembly that the state administration has allocated Rs 42.19 lakh as financial support to 39 dairy farmers in the Gir Somnath district under the 12-Milch Animal Dairy Farm Establishment Assistance Scheme for the 2023-24 financial year.
He highlighted that with the increasing demand for milk and its economic advantages, dairy farming has transformed into a viable business rather than merely a secondary activity to agriculture.
Initiated in 2018-19, the scheme aims to enhance farmers' earnings by offering subsidies for purchasing cattle, loan interest, cattle insurance, and infrastructure advancements like cattle sheds, milking machines, and fogger systems.
The state government is dedicated to fortifying the dairy sector and ensuring farmers achieve sustainable livelihoods.
Dairy farming in the state predominantly operates on a cooperative model, with over a million participants.
Remarkably, Gujarat is acknowledged as the largest milk producer in India.
The Amul milk cooperative federation, which originated in Gujarat, is celebrated across the nation and stands as Asia's largest dairy.
Gujarat contributes over 15 percent of India's overall milk production, establishing itself as a key player in the nation's dairy sector.
The state's average daily milk yield surpasses 2 crore litres, with significant dairy hubs located in regions such as Banaskantha, Anand, Mehsana, and Kheda.
Banaskantha alone accounts for more than 60 lakh litres daily, making it the top milk-producing district in Asia.
To assist dairy farmers, the Gujarat government has rolled out an array of schemes featuring subsidies for cattle procurement, fodder management, and dairy infrastructure enhancement.
The 12-Milch Animal Dairy Farm Scheme, initiated in 2018-19, extends financial support, interest subsidies, and insurance for dairy farmers establishing farms with 12 cattle.
In 2023-24, over 39 dairy farmers in the Gir Somnath region received Rs 42.19 lakh in financial aid through this scheme.
The Banaskantha District Cooperative Milk Producers' Union Ltd., known as Banas Dairy, is recognized as Asia's largest dairy cooperative under the Amul brand.
On January 15, 2018, Banas Dairy achieved a peak procurement of nearly 5.96 million litres of milk.
The district also excels in cold supply chain infrastructure, housing 1,280 bulk milk chilling units that ensure over 90 percent of the milk is procured as raw chilled milk.
Moreover, Banaskantha features 1,060 village dairy cooperatives, with many achieving ISO 9001 certification.
