In a pivotal move to boost the rural economy, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Sunday chaired a comprehensive review meeting of HP State Co-operative Milk Producers' Federation Limited (HPMilkfed). Highlighting the State Government’s commitment to rural welfare, the Chief Minister directed the swift completion of the Dhagwar milk plant's construction.
“The government is steadfast in its support for rural communities, aiming to bolster the rural economy through enhanced milk production and processing activities,” said Sukhu, while emphasizing the critical role these activities play in empowering rural stakeholders and advancing economic stability.
Sukhu issued directives to expand the capacity of milk plants in Kullu, Nahan, Hamirpur, and Una to 20,000 liters per plant. He also stressed accelerating the registration of milk production cooperatives and providing comprehensive support to farmers throughout the registration process. “Ensuring the quality of milk production and building the capacity of our farmers are top priorities,” he asserted.
Further, Sukhu instructed the officials to streamline the milk marketing and transportation processes, enhancing efficiency and reach. He proudly announced that the ‘HIM’ trademark of HPMilkfed has been officially registered by the Government of India, reflecting the high standards of their products.
Currently, Himachal boasts 1,148 village dairy cooperatives with 47,905 members, including 19,388 women. The state has established 11 milk plants and installed 116 bulk milk coolers, significantly improving milk collection quality through various HPMilkfed initiatives.
Agriculture Minister Prof Chander Kumar, who was also present at the meeting, underscored the necessity of registering dairy societies to fortify the milk-related economy. He highlighted the importance of maintaining high-quality production standards to enhance HPMilkfed's operations and empower farmers.
“The registration of societies is crucial for the economic empowerment of our farmers. By focusing on quality production, we can ensure the sustainability and growth of the milk industry in Himachal Pradesh,” Prof Kumar remarked.
