In a transformative move to uplift its rural economy and modernise the dairy sector, the Government of Himachal Pradesh has greenlit the development of new milk processing plants across key districts, while pioneering digital transparency and guaranteed pricing mechanisms for dairy farmers.
New Processing and Cooling Infrastructure Across the State
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced that new milk processing plants will be established in Nahan, Nalagarh, Mohal, and Rohru, while milk chilling and bulk cooling facilities are being set up in Jalari (Hamirpur) and Jhalera (Una), respectively. These developments are expected to significantly expand milk procurement capacity and ensure fair returns for farmers.
“With over 90% of the population engaged in agriculture, dairy development is not just a sectoral goal — it is the backbone of our rural livelihood strategy,” said Chief Minister Sukhu.
Digital Leap: ERP System to Ensure Transparency and Timely Payments
To enhance operational transparency and efficiency, the Himachal Pradesh Milk Federation (Milkfed) is launching an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system that will provide dairy farmers with real-time mobile access to data on:
- Milk collection volumes
- Quality testing results
- Payment status
- Procurement rates
The digital platform aims to reduce manual errors, prevent malpractices, and expedite billing, ensuring timely payment transfers directly to farmers’ accounts. “This is a step toward empowering farmers through transparency and technology,” the Chief Minister emphasised.
Processing Plant in Kangra to Boost Value-Added Dairy Production
Further cementing the state’s dairy infrastructure, a state-of-the-art milk processing plant is under construction in Dhagwar (Kangra district). The facility will produce a wide range of value-added dairy products such as curd, lassi, paneer, butter, ghee, mozzarella cheese, khoya, and flavoured milk.
“This will not only ensure remunerative prices for milk but also open up new market opportunities for Himachal’s dairy farmers,” said Sukhu.
India’s First MSP Scheme for Milk Procurement Launched
In a historic first, Himachal Pradesh has become the first state in India to implement a Minimum Support Price (MSP) for milk. Under this initiative:
- Cow milk is procured at ₹51/litre
- Buffalo milk at ₹61/litre
- An additional ₹2/litre transport subsidy is provided for farmers delivering milk over 2 km to designated collection centres.
This MSP initiative sets a benchmark for dairy policy in India, reinforcing the state’s commitment to strengthening farm incomes and livestock-based livelihoods.
