The Himachal Pradesh government has announced its collaboration with the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) to set up a state-of-the-art milk processing plant at Dagwar in Kangra district. The project, which is estimated to cost around Rs 250 crore, aims to enhance the milk processing capabilities and marketing opportunities for the dairy farmers of the state.
According to Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, who presided over a meeting with NDDB officials on Monday, the plant will have a capacity of processing 1 lakh to 3 lakh litres of milk per day, and will also produce high-quality milk products. He said that the state government will take the assistance of NDDB for the operation and marketing of the plant, and will also explore alternatives to plastic packaging for the dairy products.
The Chief Minister said that the establishment of the plant will benefit the farmers of Kangra, Hamirpur, Una and Chamba districts, who will be able to sell their cow’s milk at Rs 80 per litre and buffalo’s milk at Rs 100 per litre, as promised by the Congress in its “Pratigya Patra”. He said that the state government is committed to promoting the dairy based industry in Himachal Pradesh, which has a huge potential for growth.
NDDB Chairperson Meenesh Shah said that he will offer all possible help to Himachal Pradesh for this project, and will also provide two consultants for the operation of the plant and marketing of milk products. He said that NDDB will conduct a survey of the milk-collection system in the areas where the plant will cater to, and will also provide technical support and guidance for improving the quality and productivity of milk.
The project is expected to boost the rural economy and generate employment opportunities for the youth in the state. It will also help in meeting the growing demand for milk and milk products in Himachal Pradesh, which currently imports about 50% of its requirement from other states.