Milk processing plant in Dhagwar to boost Himachal’s rural economy

A state-of-the-art milk processing plant is being set up in Dhagwar, Kangra district, with an initial capacity of 1.5 lakh litres per day (LLPD), expandable to 3 LLPD. The facility, being developed under the ‘’Him Ganga’’ scheme, aims to strengthen the milk-based economy in Himachal Pradesh. The government is investing Rs 250 crore in the first phase of this project.

The Deputy Commissioner of Kangra, while inspecting the construction site with officials of Milkfed, highlighted the plant’s role in benefiting cattle farmers in Kangra, Una, Chamba and Hamirpur districts. Managing Director of Himachal Pradesh Milkfed, Dr Vikas Sood, was also present during the inspection.

The plant is designed to produce a wide array of value-added dairy products, including milk, toned milk, double-toned milk, curd, cheese, khoya, lassi and mozzarella cheese. It will provide cattle farmers with a reliable market for their milk, thereby ensuring inclusiveness and wider participation.

The Deputy Commissioner emphasised that this facility would significantly enhance farmers’’ incomes by processing high-quality dairy products, contributing to rural economic growth. It is expected to create new livelihood opportunities, boost the profitability of dairy farming, and support the socio-economic development of the region. This initiative is part of CM Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu’s vision to empower farmers and promote sustainable development.