Three MoUs Signed Between Himachal Govt and NDDB; CM Sukhu Reaffirms Commitment to Direct Financial Benefits for Farmers.
Shimla:
The National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) and the Government of Himachal Pradesh on Monday signed three key Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at strengthening the dairy sector and ensuring direct financial benefits to farmers in the state. The agreements were signed in the presence of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu.
The MoUs were signed by Secretary Animal Husbandry Ritesh Chauhan and Managing Director of the Himachal Pradesh State Cooperative Milk Producers Federation (Milkfed) Abhishek Verma on behalf of the state government, while NDDB Chairman Dr. Meenesh Shah signed on behalf of the Board.
Three Agreements to Strengthen Dairy Infrastructure
The first MoU pertains to the formation and operation of the Kangra Milk Union, which will cover the districts of Kangra district, Una district, Hamirpur district and Chamba district. The union is expected to strengthen milk procurement, processing and marketing systems across these regions.
The second MoU relates to the establishment of two milk processing plants with a capacity of 20,000 litres per day each at Nahan in Sirmaur district and Nalagarh in Solan district. Additionally, two milk chilling centres with a capacity of 20,000 litres per day will be set up at Jalari in Hamirpur district and Jhalera in Una district.
The third MoU focuses on implementing Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software in Milkfed to bring greater transparency and efficiency to the dairy sector. The digital system will manage processes related to milk collection, quality testing, production, storage and distribution. It will also help maintain organised records of dairy farmers and ensure timely and transparent payments to them while improving stock control and supply chain monitoring.
Modern Milk Processing Plant at Dhagwar
A major highlight of the initiative is the construction of a fully automated and modern milk processing plant at Dhagwar in Kangra district. Being developed at a cost of Rs. 250 crore, the plant will initially have a processing capacity of 1.5 lakh litres of milk per day, which can later be expanded to three lakh litres per day.
Once operational, the plant will significantly strengthen milk procurement and processing infrastructure across the region.
Focus on Strengthening Rural Economy
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that the state government has been focusing on strengthening the rural economy since assuming office.
He said the dairy sector has been given special priority and the government is implementing systemic reforms to ensure that financial benefits reach farmers directly.
The Chief Minister said that once the Dhagwar plant becomes operational, high-quality dairy products under the “Him” brand will be introduced in the market. According to him, improving product quality will strengthen the rural economy and help farmers receive better returns for their efforts.
He further stated that the state government is committed to expanding dairy infrastructure and around Rs. 300 crore will be spent in the coming years to set up additional milk processing units in different parts of Himachal Pradesh.
Highest Support Price for Milk Procurement
Highlighting the government’s efforts to support dairy farmers, the Chief Minister said Himachal Pradesh has become the first state in the country to offer the highest support price for milk procurement.
The procurement price for cow milk has been increased from Rs. 32 to Rs. 51 per litre, while the price for buffalo milk has been raised from Rs. 47 to Rs. 61 per litre.
Under the Dugdh Protsahan Yojana, farmers who transport milk themselves to procurement centres are provided a direct incentive of Rs. 3 per litre, while the transport subsidy has been increased by Rs. 1.50 per litre.
He said the government’s objective is not only to raise milk prices but also to create self-employment opportunities for rural youth, thereby strengthening the village economy.
Measures for Cattle Welfare
The Chief Minister also highlighted initiatives being taken under the Gopal Yojana to ensure proper care of stray cattle. Financial assistance for maintaining cows in gaushalas and cow sanctuaries has been increased from Rs. 700 to Rs. 1,200 per month.
Promoting the ‘Him’ Brand
Agriculture Minister Prof. Chander Kumar stressed the need to promote the state’s ‘Him’ brand of dairy products so that they can compete with national brands such as Amul and Verka.
He said the Dhagwar milk processing plant is expected to begin operations by October this year, which will significantly benefit dairy farmers in Kangra, Una, Hamirpur and Chamba districts.
The minister also emphasised the need to improve the health of dairy animals and said the state government would encourage farmers to purchase high-yielding dairy animals. He added that indigenous cows are also being promoted as agriculture and dairy remain priority sectors for the government.
Prof. Chander Kumar further informed that the state government has imposed a cess on liquor, and a significant portion of the revenue generated from it is being allocated to strengthen the dairy sector.
Officials Present
Chairman Milkfed Buddhi Singh Thakur, Principal Adviser (Media) to the Chief Minister Naresh Chauhan, Secretary to the Chief Minister Rakesh Kanwar and Registrar Cooperative Societies D. C. Negi, along with other senior officials, were present on the occasion.
