Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu stated that the state government has inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) to provide consultancy services for the establishment of an advanced automated milk processing plant in Dhagwar, Kangra.
The Dhagwar plant, as per Sukhu’s announcement, is poised to have an initial capacity of processing 1.50 lakh litres per day (LLDP), with a potential expansion capability up to 3 LLPD. This state-of-the-art facility, slated for construction with an initial investment of Rs. 225 crores, aims to churn out an array of dairy products, including curd, lassi, butter, ghee, paneer, flavoured milk, khoya, and mozzarella cheese.
Sukhu emphasized that this ambitious venture would not only bring prosperity to dairy farming communities but also significantly contribute to the overall growth trajectory of the state.
Highlighting the pivotal role of the plant in boosting the rural economy, the Chief Minister underscored its direct engagement with milk procurement from farmers in Chamba, Hamirpur, Kangra, and Una districts. He stressed the importance of transparent milk procurement mechanisms to ensure fair remuneration for farmers.
Additionally, Sukhu earmarked an extra Rs. 43 crores for enhancing the milk procurement network, aiming to sustain operations by procuring 2.74 LLPD for the plant.
Aligned with the government’s commitment to farmer welfare, the project envisions a second phase focusing on the production of milk powder, ice cream, and various cheese varieties at the Dhagwar plant.
Sukhu reaffirmed the government’s dedication to the welfare of the state’s dairy farming community, citing the recent increase in milk procurement rates from Rs. 32 to Rs. 38 per litre. He expressed the government’s resolve to augment farmers’ incomes, promising the introduction of new schemes in the future.
The Chief Minister stressed the imperative of strengthening the rural economy to realize the vision of making Himachal Pradesh a self-reliant state, considering that nearly 95 percent of the population resides in rural areas. He asserted that achieving this goal is indispensable for fulfilling the aspiration of making Himachal the most progressive state.