222 automatic milk collection units installed in 2 years: CM

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Saturday said 222 automatic milk collection units have been installed in the past two years. He said the number of milk-producing co-operative societies has also increased to 716.

Presiding over a review meeting of the Himachal Pradesh State Cooperative Milk Producers Federation Limited (Milkfed), the Chief Minister directed officials to ensure better marketing and maintain high product quality. He noted the number of farmers selling milk to Milkfed has now crossed 40,000.

Sukhu announced a milk processing centre would be established at Karcham or Tapri in Kinnaur district to supply dairy products to the army and local residents. He said the government was also considering outsourcing operations of both milk processing plants located at Duttnagar in Shimla district to boost production.

Chief Minister Sukhu directed officials to prepare a plan for setting up a new milk powder plant at the existing milk processing facility in Mandi.