Lucknow, NFAPost: The Uttar Pradesh Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has recently launched the Nand Baba Milk Mission scheme. With a budget of Rs 1,000 crore, this mission aims to enhance milk production and empower milk producers in the state. It offers opportunities for dairy farmers to sell their milk through cooperative societies at fair prices.
The Nand Baba Milk Mission includes the establishment of Dairy Farmer Producer Organizations (Dairy FPOs). In the year 2023-24, five pilot FPOs will be set up in different districts of Uttar Pradesh, with a particular focus on encouraging female participation. These FPOs will play a crucial role in facilitating the growth of the dairy industry and supporting milk producers.
India holds the top rank in global milk production, with Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh being the leading milk-producing states. The dairy sector in India contributes 24% to the global milk production. In the country, dairy is the largest agricultural item, contributing 5% to the national economy. Over the past five years, this sector has witnessed a growth rate of 6.4%. Furthermore, the dairy industry provides employment opportunities to around 8 crore people directly or indirectly.
In the context of milk production, Uttar Pradesh is a prominent state in India. It has a well-established presence in milk production, processing, and distribution through numerous cattle farms and cooperatives. The state’s milk output comes from various cattle breeds, including Murrah buffaloes, Sahiwal, and Gir. Uttar Pradesh also possesses robust infrastructure for milk processing, including pasteurization, packaging, and the production of milk-based products such as ghee, paneer, and curd. Some popular milk-based products originating from the state include Doodh Peda, Lassi, Rabri, and Chhena.
The dairy sector in Uttar Pradesh plays a significant role in generating employment opportunities and contributing to the state’s economy. Government initiatives are focused on improving milk quality, enhancing productivity, and providing support and training to farmers involved in the dairy industry. The Nand Baba Milk Mission scheme is a step forward in promoting the growth of the dairy sector in the state and ensuring the welfare of milk producers.
