Assam Government Introduces Milk Subsidy Scheme to Support Dairy Farmers and Enhance Production

The Assam government has introduced a subsidy scheme to support the dairy industry by providing Rs 5 per litre of milk to farmers. This initiative aims to encourage farmers to increase milk production and income. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the scheme, highlighting its potential to revolutionise dairy farming in rural areas and create more opportunities for the people of Assam.

During the launch, Sarma also participated in a 'bhoomi pujan' ceremony for expanding the West Assam Milk Producers’ Cooperative Union Ltd (WAMUL) plant in Guwahati's Panjabari. The plant's processing capacity will be increased from 1.5 lakh litres per day (LLPD) to 3 LLPD. This expansion is part of a Rs 104-crore project aligned with a memorandum of understanding between WAMUL and the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB).

Boosting Dairy Production and Market Access

The expansion of the Purabi Dairy plant is seen as a significant step towards achieving self-reliance in Assam's dairy sector. By doubling the plant's capacity, the state aims to provide better market access for more dairy farmers and enhance nutritional security for its residents. The project is expected to benefit over 20,000 dairy farmers across Assam.

Meenesh Shah, chairman of NDDB and WAMUL, stated, "With this expansion, we are building the capacity needed to support a growing dairy network, improving milk collection, streamlining processing and reaching more consumers across the region." The Panjabari plant is currently the largest dairy processing facility in North East India.

Expansion Plans and Future Prospects

The expansion plan includes increasing pasteurised pouch milk production from 1.15 LLPD to 2.0 LLPD. Additionally, a new ice cream production facility with an initial capacity of 20 thousand litres per day (TLPD), expandable to 30 TLPD, will be established. Other dairy products totalling 70 TLPD will also be part of this development.

This initiative is part of the Assam Dairy Development Plan (ADDP), which envisions processing 10 LLPD across the state within the formal dairy sector. The project aligns with the state's broader goals of enhancing agricultural productivity and ensuring food security for its population.

The subsidy scheme and plant expansion reflect Assam's commitment to strengthening its dairy industry. By supporting farmers and upgrading facilities, the state aims to boost local economies and improve livelihoods. These efforts are expected to contribute significantly to Assam's agricultural growth and development.

With inputs from PTI