Synopsis
On March 12, Gujarat's Animal Husbandry Minister announced that Rs 42.19 lakh has been allocated to 39 dairy farmers in Gir Somnath under the 12-Milch Animal Dairy Farm Scheme for 2023-24, highlighting the importance of dairy farming in the state's economy.Key Takeaways
- Rs 42.19 lakh allocated to 39 dairy farmers
- Scheme boosts farmer income and dairy production
- Gujarat is India's top milk producer
- Banaskantha district leads in milk production
- Support includes subsidies and infrastructure development
Gandhinagar, March 12 (NationPress) Gujarat Animal Husbandry Minister Raghavji Patel informed the Assembly that the state government has allocated Rs 42.19 lakh in financial aid 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 an independent business rather than merely a supplementary agricultural activity.
This scheme, initiated in 2018-19, is designed to enhance farmers' income by offering subsidies for cattle purchase, interest on loans, cattle insurance, and infrastructure improvements such as cattle sheds, milking machines, and fogger systems.
The state government is dedicated to fortifying the dairy sector while ensuring sustainable livelihoods for farmers.
In Gujarat, dairy farming primarily functions on a cooperative model, with over a million members.
Significantly, Gujarat is acknowledged as India's largest milk producer.
The Amul milk cooperative federation, which originated in Gujarat, is recognized nationwide and is the largest dairy in Asia.
Gujarat contributes more than 15 percent of India's total milk production, positioning it as one of the major players in the nation's dairy industry.
The state's daily milk output surpasses 2 crore litres, with key dairy hubs located in districts such as Banaskantha, Anand, Mehsana, and Kheda.
Notably, Banaskantha alone produces over 60 lakh litres daily, making it the leading milk-producing district in Asia.
To assist dairy farmers, the Gujarat government has launched various initiatives, including subsidies for cattle purchase, fodder management, and dairy infrastructure development.
The 12-Milch Animal Dairy Farm Scheme, implemented in 2018-19, offers financial support, interest subsidies, and insurance assistance for dairy farmers establishing dairy farms with 12 cattle.
In 2023-24, more than 39 dairy farmers in Gir Somnath district received Rs 42.19 lakh in financial support through this scheme.
The Banaskantha District Cooperative Milk Producers' Union Ltd., commonly referred to 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, featuring 1,280 bulk milk chilling units that ensure over 90 percent of the milk is procured as raw chilled milk.
Additionally, Banaskantha boasts 1,060 village dairy cooperatives, many of which hold ISO 9001 certification.
