Dharamshala (Kameshwar Sharma): The Kangra dairy revolution is now clearly visible on the ground. Farmers and livestock rearers in Kangra district are witnessing rising income and improved livelihoods. The state government’s focus on strengthening the rural economy is delivering direct benefits.
As a result, dairy farming has turned into a strong source of self-employment. Earlier, people treated animal husbandry only as a means of survival. However, farmers and unemployed youth are now turning dairy farming into a profitable business.
Milk Price Hike Drives Major Growth
The Kangra dairy revolution gained momentum after the government increased the milk procurement price by ₹21 per kilogram over the last three years.
Consequently, farmers have shown new enthusiasm toward dairy farming. In December 2023, only 44 milk cooperative societies were active. At that time, milk collection stood at around 6,200 litres per day.
However, the situation has changed rapidly. Today, milk procurement has increased to 24,000 litres per day. In addition, 352 milk cooperative societies have been formed in the Kangra cluster.
Mega Dairy Plant to Strengthen Sector
To further support the Kangra dairy revolution, the government is setting up a modern automated milk processing plant in Dagwar. The project cost is around ₹225 crore.
This plant is expected to be ready by September. Moreover, two new chilling centres with a capacity of 20,000 kilolitres are also being established under the Kangra Milk Union.
In addition, the plant will produce value-added dairy products such as flavoured milk, curd, lassi, mozzarella cheese, paneer, yoghurt, and khoya. Therefore, farmers will get a better market for their produce. At the same time, new employment opportunities will open for youth.
Farmers See Direct Income Boost
The Kangra dairy revolution has directly improved farmers’ income. Currently, cow milk is being purchased at around ₹51 per kilogram through cooperative societies.
Earlier, farmers received nearly ₹30 per kilogram. Therefore, the price hike has brought significant relief. As a result, many farmers have expanded their dairy activities.
Furthermore, better income has encouraged unemployed youth to adopt dairy farming as self-employment. Milk production in the state has nearly doubled in the last year due to this shift.
Farmers Share Their Experience
Farmers from different areas have confirmed the positive impact.
Pawan from Dadi says that earlier he earned low returns from milk production. However, after the price increase, his monthly income has improved significantly. He supplies around 10 litres of milk daily to the cooperative society and earns nearly ₹15,000 per month. Therefore, dairy farming has become his main source of income.
Similarly, Vikas Sarin from Tangroti says that farmers are now more motivated. He explains that a cooperative society in his area supplies around 1,200 litres of milk daily to the Dagwar plant. Moreover, more people are joining dairy farming after the price hike.
Officials Highlight Policy Impact
Dagwar milk processing plant manager Akhilesh Parashar said that the Kangra dairy revolution reflects the success of the government’s policies.
He stated that milk procurement has almost doubled due to higher prices. Furthermore, expansion of plant capacity will allow more milk procurement in the future. Therefore, farmers will benefit even more in the coming years.
Rural Economy Gets Strong Push
Overall, the Kangra dairy revolution is strengthening the rural economy. It is increasing farmer income, boosting milk production, and creating new jobs.
In addition, government investment in dairy infrastructure is helping build a sustainable ecosystem. Therefore, Kangra district is emerging as a strong dairy hub in Himachal Pradesh.
Key Points of the news:
- Milk price increased by ₹21/kg, boosting farmer income.
- Milk collection rose from 6,200L to 24,000L per day.
- 352 dairy cooperative societies now active in Kangra.
- ₹225 crore automated dairy plant being built in Dagwar.
- Dairy farming becoming major self-employment source for youth.
