Lambagaon milkfed society launches milk procurement

With the aim of increasing farmers' income and promoting agriculture-based enterprises in rural areas, Lambagaon Milkfed Farmer Producer Society (FPO), based in Suan, has formally launched its milk procurement operations. Under this initiative, milk will be purchased from farmers at the minimum support price (MSP) declared by the government.

FPO Managing Director, Subedar Amin Chand Saryal (retd), flagged off the milk distribution van today from the FPO headquarters in Suan, marking the beginning of doorstep delivery of pure and nutritious milk to consumers. He said the FPO would procure only high-quality milk, i.e., cow milk with a minimum of 4% fat and 8.5% SNF, and buffalo milk with 6% fat and 9.5% SNF.

On this occasion, FPO's mentor and former Vice-Chancellor HPAU, Prof Ashok Kumar Sarial, congratulated the Board of Directors and shared that the FPO had been officially recognised by the District Monitoring Committee, chaired by the Deputy Commissioner, for the production and marketing of milk, turmeric and ginger.

Prof Sarial said last year the FPO began organic turmeric cultivation, which was granted minimum support price (MSP) recognition by the state government. The government directly procured turmeric from farmers, thereby encouraging the effort. This not only benefitted the farmers but also helped regional products find a market.

He extended congratulations to the FPO Board of Directors. He highlighted that 50% of the board members are women, and among over 150 FPO members, more than half are women actively involved in its operations. This initiative stands as a notable example of women empowerment and grassroots leadership.