To enhance Madhya Pradesh’s stature as a major contributor to India’s dairy industry and improve the livelihood of farmers, the state government has announced a robust investment plan of Rs 1,500 crore. Aiming to double milk production within five years, the initiative outlines a multifaceted approach to revolutionize the state’s dairy sector. This proposal was approved in the cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Tuesday, which is an important step towards future-proofing the agricultural economy of the state. Briefing the media, senior minister Kailash Vijayvargiya highlighted an important partnership between Madhya Pradesh State Cooperative Dairy Federation (MPSCDF) and National Cooperative Dairy Federation (NCDF).
“The tie-up with NCDF will not only increase milk production but will also significantly increase the income of farmers,” Vijayvargiya said. He stressed on plans to motivate farmers to adopt high-yielding cattle breeds along with extensive facilities to transport milk and dairy products to markets. Organic farming practices supported by the use of organic fertilizers will also be encouraged.
In a move in line with the National Education Policy 2020, the government will launch an academic degree in Dairy Technology at Vikram University, Ujjain. This course will later be expanded to other universities, thereby equipping the youth with modern skills in dairy technology to take Madhya Pradesh to the forefront in milk production.
Vijayvargiya also elaborated on the plan to increase the number of dairy cooperative societies from 6,000 to 9,000 within five years. This extension will enable setting up of dairy plants in villages with transportation and branding managed by private stakeholders. Sanchi, the state’s leading milk brand, will have to make a fresh effort to gain a stronger foothold in the national markets with the support of NCDF.
“This is part of the larger vision of making Sanchi a national brand while also ensuring that the state becomes a top-tier milk producer,” Vijayvargiya said.
This move was not without controversy. In September last year, the Madhya Pradesh government had handed over the running of the state cooperative dairy federation to the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) for five years. While the opposition Congress has raised concerns accusing the government of paving the way for Gujarat’s Amul to dominate Sanchi through “backdoor” tactics, officials say the decision is aimed at expanding Sanchi’s reach and It lies in increasing its production.
Madhya Pradesh currently ranks third in milk production at the national level, contributing 9% to the total production of the country. The state’s average per capita milk production is 673 grams per day, which is better than the national average of 471 grams.
As the initiative takes shape, dairy farmers of Madhya Pradesh are set to witness a remarkable transformation, which could serve as a model for other states aiming to boost farm incomes and build a resilient rural economy. Is.
