Himachal CM Announces Collaboration with NDDB for Rs 250 Cr Milk Processing Plant

According to an official statement, the State government of Himachal Pradesh will join forces with the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) to construct a state-of-the-art milk processing facility in Dagwar, located in the Kangra district.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, while presiding over a meeting at Oak Over, announced that the plant would be built at a cost of approximately Rs 250 crores. The NDDB's assistance would be sought for its operation and marketing.

The Chief Minister highlighted that the Dagwar plant's capacity would range from one lakh liters to three lakh liters, with a focus on producing high-quality milk products. He also emphasized the Congress party's commitment, as stated in their 'Pratigyapatra,' to purchase cow's milk from farmers at Rs. 80 per liter and buffalo's milk at Rs. 100 per liter. The State Government is dedicated to fulfilling this promise and promoting the dairy-based industry in the state.

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CM Sukhu emphasized that the installation of the plant in Dagwar would bring substantial advantages to the farmers residing in Kangra, Hamirpur, Una, and Chamba districts. NDDB will conduct a survey to assess the milk collection system in these areas.

The Chief Minister stressed the government's determination to eliminate plastic packaging for dairy products and explore alternative eco-friendly materials, safeguarding Himachal's climate and air from plastic pollution.

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Considering that about 90 percent of the state's population resides in rural areas, the Chief Minister emphasized the interconnection between animal husbandry and agriculture. Strengthening the rural economy is crucial for increasing farmers' income, he added.

Meenesh Shah, Chairman of NDDB, expressed full support for Himachal's mission and assured the provision of two consultants at the Board's expense for plant operation and milk product marketing.

In the meeting, Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Minister Chander Kumar, Chief Parliamentary Secretaries Chaudhary Ram Kumar and Ashish Butail, Chairman of H.P. Milkfed Federation Nihal Chand Sharma, Principal Advisor Ram Subhag Singh, Secretary Agriculture Rakesh Kanwar, and other officials were present.

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