Varanasi: Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development Minister Dharmpal Singh inaugurated ‘Rangeelo Kashi’, a two-day mega rural festival at Banaras Hindu University (BHU), bringing together farmers, dairy experts, researchers, policymakers, entrepreneurs, cooperatives, startups and rural enterprises to highlight opportunities in livestock, agriculture and dairy development.
The festival is being organised by the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) and its wholly owned subsidiary, NDDB Dairy Services. The event is designed as a platform for knowledge sharing, practical learning and showcasing farmer-led innovations, agri-dairy technologies, livestock excellence and the cultural heritage of Purvanchal.
Speaking at the inauguration, Dharmpal Singh highlighted the Uttar Pradesh government’s initiatives to improve farmer incomes through the dairy and livestock sectors. He said farmers were being supported through subsidies for cattle purchases and access to high-quality semen to promote better livestock productivity.
The minister emphasised the importance of animal husbandry and dairy development in Uttar Pradesh’s broader economic ambitions. According to him, increasing milk production while keeping production costs as low as possible would be important for improving farm incomes and strengthening the rural economy.
Singh also encouraged farmers to participate in the government’s livestock vaccination drive. Regular vaccination, he said, can help protect animals from diseases while supporting productivity and reducing risks for livestock owners.
Focus on Uttar Pradesh’s Dairy Sector
Durga Shankar Mishra, former Uttar Pradesh chief secretary and director at NDDB, said the state had regained momentum in milk production after previously being a leading dairy-producing region.
He attributed the renewed growth to focused efforts by the state government and NDDB under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. While highlighting Uttar Pradesh’s position as India’s largest milk-producing state, Mishra also pointed to the considerable potential for further development of its dairy sector.
NDDB Chairman and Managing Director Meenesh Shah said the Rangeelo Kashi event followed the success of the first Rangeelo festival held in Jaipur. He said NDDB was working to strengthen dairy development in eastern Uttar Pradesh through measures including the revival of older dairy plants and promotion of high-yielding cattle breeds.
Livestock Breeds and Farmer Learning
One of the major attractions on the inaugural day was the Nandi Show, where farmers could see superior cattle breeds including Sahiwal, Tharparkar, Bhadawari and Gir.
The festival also recognised the contribution of dairy farmers by felicitating meritorious children of milk producer organisation farmers and beneficiaries of Uttar Pradesh’s dairy development schemes.
| Rangeelo Kashi Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Expected visitors | 20,000+ |
| Exhibitors | 85 |
| Delegates | 500 |
| Pashu Mela participants | 150 |
| Handicraft Haat participants | 20 |
| High-genetic-merit breeds | 8+ |
| Total prize money | More than ₹41 lakh |
| Venue | BHU, Varanasi |
| Duration | Two days |
The event features a Grand Pashu Mela, technical sessions, workshops, demonstrations, Experience Zones and exhibitions. These activities are intended to give farmers direct exposure to new technologies, livestock management practices and innovations that could be applied at farm level.
The festival also combines agricultural and dairy knowledge with rural entrepreneurship and traditional culture through its exhibitions and Handicraft Haat.
With thousands of visitors and participants expected, Rangeelo Kashi provides a platform for interaction among farmers, researchers, policymakers, businesses and dairy-sector organisations. The initiative also reflects growing efforts to connect livestock development, technology, farmer education and rural enterprise as part of the wider development of India’s dairy value chain.
As the two-day festival progresses, the focus remains on practical knowledge, improved livestock productivity, farmer income opportunities and innovations that can contribute to the continued development of Uttar Pradesh’s dairy and rural economy.