In a strategic push to fortify Uttar Pradesh’s dairy ecosystem, state minister for livestock, dairy development and political pension, Dharmpal Singh, chaired a comprehensive departmental review meeting at the Circuit House on Sunday. The session centred on enhancing operational efficiency across cow protection systems and accelerating the rollout of the upcoming Parag Dairy project, an initiative poised to significantly uplift milk processing capacity in the region.
The minister underscored the urgent need to improve infrastructure at cow shelters, calling for enhanced fodder availability, stronger protection measures against winter conditions and a systematic tagging process for all cattle. The directive to fit radium belts on animals roaming near highways reflects a data-driven approach to reducing livestock-related accidents and safeguarding rural livelihoods.
Revising the daily maintenance allowance for cattle from ₹30 to ₹50 per head, Singh stressed strict monitoring to ensure timely and transparent disbursement to eligible beneficiaries. He also mandated meticulous record-keeping of deceased animals, signalling a policy shift towards accountability and traceability in cattle management practices.
Highlighting service delivery enhancements, Singh reviewed progress under the mobile veterinary unit scheme. The programme ensures a veterinary doctor, assistant and essential medicines reach sick animals within an hour of a toll-free call to 1962, an intervention designed to reduce animal morbidity and strengthen grassroots veterinary responsiveness.
Announcing that Parag Dairy’s operations in Gorakhpur will commence by February, Singh described the development as a “milestone” for the region’s dairy industry. He reiterated the government’s commitment to elevating milk production, increasing farmer profitability and promoting integrated farming models. According to Singh, enhanced livestock rearing practices will be pivotal in driving Uttar Pradesh towards its ambitious goal of becoming a ₹1-trillion economy.
Chief Development Officer Shashwat Tripurari and other senior officials were also present, signalling high-level administrative alignment towards dairy sector modernisation.
