Himachal Pradesh revolutionises dairy sector with over Rs 250 cr investment

Shimla, July 21

Under the leadership of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the state government is setting new benchmarks in the rural economy through its schemes and initiatives in the dairy sector.

The focus on milk production and related activities has generated employment and empowered rural communities across the state. The state is upgrading its milk processing infrastructure. The Him Ganga Yojana is a flagship initiative, under which a state-of-the-art milk processing plant is being established at Dhagwar in Kangra district. An investment of Rs 250 crore has been made in this regard.

Designed to process up to 3 lakh litres of milk per day, this facility will produce various dairy products, including milk powder, curd, khoya, ghee, ice cream, flavoured milk and cheese. The advanced ultra-heat technology will ensure high-quality packaging and long-term preservation.

The government has also allocated budget provisions to provide 200 refrigerated milk vans to local youth to streamline the milk transportation process. Additionally, the capacity of milk plants in Kullu, Hamirpur, Nahan and Una has been increased to 20,000 litres. This expansion is coupled with rationalising the marketing and transportation processes to ensure efficiency and quality.

The state is also bolstering the Himachal Pradesh State Co-operative Milk Producer’s Federation Limited. As many as 102 automatic milk collection units and 55 milk chilling plants are already operational, and efforts are being made to enhance the milk collection process from remote areas. At present, 1,148 village dairy cooperative societies comprising 47,905 members, including 19,388 women, are actively involved in this sector.

The state is providing minimum support prices for cow and buffalo milk that have increased to Rs 45 and Rs 55, respectively — the highest in India. The move ensures that farmers and cattle rearers receive fair prices for their produce, along with quality bonuses. By integrating animal husbandry and milk production with natural farming practices, the government is committed to boosting farmers’ incomes.

The state aims to become a model state in the dairy sector, leveraging modern technology and development-oriented programmes. The steps taken by the government are paving the way for a self-reliant Himachal, where the rural economy thrives and communities prosper.

Him ganga yojana

• The Him Ganga Yojana is a flagship initiative, under which a state-of-the-art milk processing plant is being established at Dhagwar in Kangra district. An investment of Rs 250 crore has been made in this regard.
• Designed to process up to 3 lakh litres of milk per day, this facility will produce various dairy products, including milk powder, curd, khoya, ghee, ice cream, flavoured milk and cheese. The advanced ultra-heat technology will ensure high-quality packaging and long-term preservation.