Shimla to get panchayat-level milk cooperatives, says DC

Shimla Deputy Commissioner (DC) Anupam Kashyap on Saturday announced that Dairy Cooperative Societies will be established at the panchayat level across the district to boost the rural economy and support livestock farmers.

Presiding over a meeting of the District Dairy Development Committee, the DC said in the first phase, 57 gram panchayats have been identified, of which societies have already been formed in eight. “Each society will have a minimum of 11 members and must meet all norms set by the Milk Federation, including obtaining a feasibility certificate,” he added.

The DC directed block development officers to complete the registration of societies in the remaining panchayats by September 10, emphasising that only one cooperative society would be allowed per panchayat.

According to the livestock department’s internal survey, 57 panchayats producing over 200 litres of milk daily have been shortlisted out of 412 in the district. So far, dairy cooperatives have been registered in eight panchayats. The DC further said the District Dairy Development Committee, under his chairmanship, will prepare the blueprint for implementation, assign responsibilities to departments such as Panchayati Raj, Animal Husbandry, DRDA and Milkfed, ensure budget allocation, and monitor monthly progress.