Modern milk plant at Dhagwar to strengthen rural economy: Himachal Agriculture Minister

Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Minister Chander Kumar on Wednesday said the upcoming modern milk plant at Dhagwar in Kangra district will significantly strengthen rural economy and benefit thousands of livestock-rearing families. He was addressing the district-level Himachal Day function after hoisting the national flag at the Police Ground in Dharamsala.

In his address, the minister said over the past three years the state government had been working on the principle of systemic transformation, focusing on development and public welfare. He added that the government has mobilised new resources and generated over Rs 49,500 crore in revenue during this period. Chander Kumar highlighted that the discontinuation of revenue deficit grant has resulted in an annual loss of Rs 8,000-10,000 crore to Himachal Pradesh.

The minister said a state-of-the-art milk processing plant is being constructed at Dhagwar with an investment of over Rs 225 crore. “The project will provide better market access to dairy farmers and enhance their income,” he added. Chander Kumar said the procurement price for cow milk had been increased from Rs 32 to Rs 61 per litre and for buffalo milk from Rs 47 to Rs 71 per litre.

He announced that Rs 300 crore has been earmarked under the Pashudhan Evam Himachali Livelihood (PEHL) scheme to formulate a comprehensive policy for over 40,000 families belonging to Gaddi and other related communities. A patriotic and cultural performance was held on the occasion. The minister honoured Sushma Devi, wife of martyr Subedar Major Pawan Kumar, who was awarded the Sena Medal.