Kangra (Kameshwar Sharma): The Dhagwar Milk Plant is driving strong growth in Kangra’s dairy sector. The project has already delivered encouraging results. Daily milk collection has increased from 6,200 litres in December 2023 to nearly 24,000 litres today.
The National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) is building the ₹225 crore project. Officials expect the plant to start operations by September. The project aims to boost dairy farming, improve farmer income, and strengthen the rural economy.
Sudhanshu Trivedi Visits Dhagwar Milk Plant
Rajya Sabha MP Sudhanshu Trivedi recently visited the Dhagwar Milk Plant site. He reviewed the construction progress and future plans. Dharamshala MLA Sudhir Sharma accompanied him during the visit. Rajya Sabha MP Rajeev Bhardwaj also attended the programme.
Trivedi called the Dhagwar Milk Plant a project of national importance. He praised the efforts to develop modern dairy infrastructure in Kangra. He also highlighted Dharamshala’s rapid growth over the past few years.
According to him, several development projects have transformed the region. The milk plant will add another milestone to that journey.
Milk Collection Records Massive Growth
The Dhagwar Milk Plant has already created a positive impact on local farmers. Milk collection has increased almost four times within a short period.
In December 2023, the collection stood at around 6,200 litres per day. Today, farmers supply nearly 24,000 litres daily. This rise shows growing confidence among dairy producers.
More farmers now sell milk through organized channels. Better procurement rates have encouraged many families to join dairy farming.
Dairy Cooperatives Expand Across Kangra
The cooperative network has grown rapidly in Kangra. Plant Manager Akhilesh Parashar shared the latest figures during the visit.
The number of active dairy cooperative societies has increased from 44 to 352. This expansion has connected more rural producers to the organized dairy sector.
Farmers now enjoy better access to markets and fair pricing. The cooperative model also helps improve transparency and efficiency.
Dhagwar Milk Plant to Produce Value-Added Products
The Dhagwar Milk Plant will operate as a fully automated facility. The modern plant will process large quantities of milk every day.
The facility will manufacture several value-added dairy products. These include flavored milk, curd, lassi, paneer, mozzarella cheese, yogurt, and khoa.
Value-added products can generate higher returns. They can also create new jobs in processing, packaging, and distribution.
New Chilling Centres to Strengthen Infrastructure
Sudhir Sharma said the project is progressing steadily. He expects the plant to begin operations by September.
The Kangra Milk Union is also developing two new chilling centres. Each centre will have a capacity of 20,000 litres.
These facilities will help preserve milk quality. They will also improve storage and transportation across the district.
Major Boost for Kangra Farmers
The Dhagwar Milk Plant promises major benefits for dairy farmers. It will provide a stronger market for milk producers. It will also increase demand for local milk.
The project supports income growth in rural areas. It encourages more families to participate in dairy farming. At the same time, it strengthens the dairy supply chain in Kangra.
With milk collection already reaching 24,000 litres per day, the project has shown strong potential. Once operational, the Dhagwar Milk Plant could become a game-changer for Kangra’s dairy industry and rural economy.
Key Highlights of the news:
- Daily milk collection linked to the Dhagwar Milk Plant has surged from 6,200 litres in December 2023 to nearly 24,000 litres, marking significant growth in Kangra’s dairy sector.
- The ₹225 crore NDDB-backed Dhagwar Milk Plant is nearing completion and is expected to begin operations by September this year.
- The number of active dairy cooperative societies in the Kangra cluster has increased sharply from 44 to 352, bringing more farmers into the organized dairy network.
- Fully automated plant will produce value-added dairy products such as flavoured milk, curd, lassi, paneer, mozzarella cheese, yogurt, and khoa.
- Rajya Sabha MP Sudhanshu Trivedi called the Dhagwar Milk Plant a project of national importance, highlighting its potential to boost farmer incomes and strengthen the rural economy.
