Dairy push: Rs 200-crore Kangra milk plant to boost income of farmers
The state government is taking significant steps to uplift the dairy sector. A Rs 200-crore state-of-the-art milk processing plant is being constructed at Dhagwar in Kangra district, along with a recent hike in milk procurement rates, signalling the government’s intent to boost farmers’ income.
Set to be operational by March 2026
With civil work on the plant already underway, the facility, set to be operational by March 2026, will have a daily processing capacity of 1.5 lakh litres. Meanwhile, MILKFED is actively working to strengthen the milk supply chain by forming new cooperative societies in villages.
With civil work on the plant already underway, the facility, set to be operational by March 2026, will have an impressive daily processing capacity of 1.5 lakh litres. Meanwhile, MILKFED is actively working to strengthen the milk supply chain by forming new cooperative societies in villages. “We have already registered 260 milk cooperative societies in Kangra and Hamirpur and are expanding further to ensure efficient doorstep collection of milk,” said Preety Arya, a senior manager at MILKFED.
The government’s focus on expanding milk collection has already borne fruit, with procurement reaching a record 2 lakh litres in a single day.
Kangra and Hamirpur districts, with their thriving milk production, offer immense potential for growth. However, the government faces tough competition from established private players such as Verka, Amul, Mother Dairy and Chanakya Dairy products, which dominate the market in Kangra, Hamirpur, Chamba and Una districts.
Vikas Sareen, president of the Krishav Milk Producers Cooperative Society, expressed optimism about the government’s initiatives but acknowledged the challenges ahead. “The government’s focus on the dairy sector is commendable, but competing with private players won’t be easy. Success will depend on producing quality products, creating a robust distribution network and adopting targeted marketing strategies,” he said.
While the Dhagwar plant and other initiatives bring hope for farmers, reclaiming market share from private brands will require sustained effort and innovation. All eyes are now on the government’s ability to turn its ambitious plans into a success story.
