|
|
|
You can get e-magazine links on WhatsApp. Click here
|
|
|
|
|
|
HP govt rolls out stronger support measures for dairy farmers
|
|
Thursday, 08 January, 2026, 14 : 00 PM [IST]
|
|
Our Bureau, New Delhi
|
The Himachal Pradesh government has announced a new set of measures to strengthen support for dairy farmers and enhance the state’s dairy sector, reinforcing both farm incomes and cooperative operations. The initiatives were unveiled recently during a Milkfed review meeting chaired by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, focusing on improving price support, data transparency and logistical assistance for producers.
A key announcement was the increase in Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for milk. The MSP for cow milk was raised from Rs 32 to Rs 51 per litre, while buffalo milk saw an increase from Rs 47 to Rs 61 per litre. These rate hikes aim to provide dairy farmers more stable and remunerative returns for their produce amid rising input costs.
To strengthen operational systems, the Chief Minister directed the rollout of an online milk procurement data platform across all Milkfed plants. This digital system is intended to ensure transparent tracking of milk collection, improve record-keeping and enhance efficiency across the supply chain. Additionally, the state government boosted transportation subsidies increasing the overall subsidy from Rs 1.50 to Rs 3 per litre and extending a Rs 3 per litre subsidy for farmers transporting milk themselves to collection centres beyond two kilometres.
Sukhu further emphasized the importance of maintaining quality standards for Milkfed dairy products and instructed that key positions within Milkfed and its milk plants be filled as a priority. He also reviewed the development of the Dhagwar milk plant, a facility expected to extend economic benefits to farmers in Kangra, Hamirpur, Chamba and Una districts once operational.
In addition to pricing and logistics reforms, the Chief Minister called for a market-oriented approach for Milkfed to sharpen competitiveness and promote wider recognition of Himachal’s dairy products nationwide. He encouraged reviews of Milkfed’s retail milk bars and proposed innovative marketing avenues, including listing desi ghee on the state’s Himira platform to boost outreach and sales.
The latest support measures underscore Himachal Pradesh’s commitment to bolstering rural livelihoods, improving dairy production economics, and strengthening cooperative management systems statewide.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|