With the aim of benefiting milk producers, the Uttar Pradesh government has initiated a proposal to set up dairy farmers producers organizations (FPOs). Through these FPOs, the government plans to facilitate the direct purchase of milk from producers at the village level, ensuring that they receive fair and suitable prices for their milk.
Inaugurating the Nand Baba Milk Mission Office and a Milk Development portal on Tuesday, animal husbandry and milk development minister Dharmpal Singh said, “INR 1,000 crore has been spent under the Nand Baba Milk Mission to develop the dairy sector over the past five years and now the government is making arrangements to purchase milk directly from milk producers in villages through milk cooperatives. To this end, there is a proposal to set up dairy FPOs. In 2023-24, we will carry out a pilot project by setting up a dairy FPO each in five districts, in which women will also play an important role.”
Rajneesh Dubey, the ACS (Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development), highlighted the significant prospects available for new industries to invest in the dairy sector. He further mentioned that the state government has introduced a dairy promotion policy with the objective of maximizing benefits for all stakeholders involved.
The minister also expressed a proposal to create a comprehensive database of milk producers within the state. This initiative aims to streamline the process of acquiring indigenous breeds of cows from other states, as well as provide incentives to progressive farmers for enhancing cattle breeding and related practices.
The minister stated that in order to effectively oversee the various projects under the Nand Baba Milk Mission, a committee led by the chief secretary has been established at the headquarters level. Additionally, committees headed by district magistrates have been formed at the district level. Furthermore, provisions have been made to distribute testing kits to farmers for cattle diseases and milk adulteration testing, ensuring the well-being and quality of the dairy industry.
