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Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Wednesday announced an allocation of Rs 201 crores for the construction of a state-of-the-art milk processing plant in Dhagwar in Kangra district. Developed in collaboration with the National Dairy Development Board, the plant is set to commence construction shortly.
Initially designed to process 1.50 lakh litres per day (LLPD), with potential expansion to three LLPD, the fully automatic facility will produce a wide range of dairy products including curd, lassi, butter, ghee, paneer, flavored milk, khoya, and mozzarella cheese — aimed at bolstering the economic prospects of farmers across Kangra, Hamirpur, Chamba, and Una districts.
Highlighting the project’s significance, Sukhu emphasized its potential to uplift dairy farming communities and contribute significantly to the state’s economy. “This plant is a testament to our commitment to improving farmers’ livelihoods and enhancing Himachal Pradesh's dairy industry," he affirmed.
Sukhu reiterated the government's dedication to farmer welfare, noting recent increases in milk procurement rates from Rs 32 to Rs 45 per litre for cow milk and Rs 55 per litre for buffalo milk. “These steps are part of broader efforts to boost farmer income, with future welfare schemes in the pipeline,” he assured.
He underscored the importance of strengthening the rural economy, essential for achieving self-sufficiency and prosperity in Himachal Pradesh. "Ninety-five percent of our population resides in rural areas, and empowering farmers is pivotal to our vision of a thriving and resilient state," Sukhu concluded.
