In a bid to support milk producers, the UP government has put forth a proposal to establish dairy farmers’ producer organizations (FPOs). These FPOs will enable the direct purchase of milk from producers at the village level, ensuring fair remuneration for their products.
During the inauguration of the Nand Baba Milk Mission Office and the Milk Development Portal, Dharmpal Singh, the Minister of Animal Husbandry and Milk Development, stated that the government has allocated Rs. 1,000 crores over the past five years to foster the growth of the dairy sector. Now, the focus is on procuring milk directly from producers through milk cooperatives and introducing dairy FPOs. As a pilot project in the upcoming year, five districts will witness the establishment of a dairy FPO each, with a significant involvement of women.
Rajneesh Dubey, the Additional Chief Secretary of Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development, emphasized the vast investment opportunities available in the dairy sector for new industries. To ensure maximum benefits for all stakeholders, the state government has introduced a dairy promotion policy.
The minister also highlighted plans to create a comprehensive database of milk producers in the state. This database aims to facilitate the purchase of indigenous cow breeds from other states and provide incentives to progressive farmers for advancements in cattle breeding. Additionally, a committee headed by the chief secretary has been established at the headquarters level to oversee various projects under the Nand Baba Milk Mission. At the district level, committees led by district magistrates have been formed. Furthermore, provisions have been made to provide testing kits for farmers to detect cattle diseases and milk adulteration.