Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav has emphasized the importance of not just increasing milk production, but also improving marketing, branding, and processing infrastructure to strengthen the state’s dairy sector. He called for tapping into the expertise of the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) for better management, animal health, and national outreach of state-produced milk products.
Dr. Yadav was speaking at a high-level review meeting held at the Mantralaya on Tuesday to assess the performance and progress of milk unions and dairy development activities in the state.
Vision for 2030: Expanding Dairy Network to 26,000 Villages
The Chief Minister outlined an ambitious vision to expand the dairy network to 26,000 villages across Madhya Pradesh by the year 2030, enabling the collection of nearly 52 lakh kilograms of milk daily.
“To ensure effective utilization of increased milk collection, modern milk processing infrastructure must be developed and national-level branding of our milk products must be a priority,” Dr. Yadav stated.
NDDB’s Expertise Must Be Leveraged Fully
He recommended the full use of NDDB’s expertise in various areas including:
- Branding of milk products
- Cow health and cowshed management
- Veterinary training
- Dairy infrastructure modernization
- Additionally, he proposed the upgradation and management of large urban cow shelters in collaboration with the NDDB.
- Private Milk Businesses Should Be Encouraged Where Unions Have Limited Reach
Dr. Yadav stressed that in areas where the milk union network is limited, private milk entrepreneurs should be encouraged. He highlighted the need to provide training in updated dairy technologies and ensure that private players operate with proper quality standards.
“We must strengthen the dairy value chain by involving both public and private sectors wherever required,” he added. He also directed the adoption of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) across all milk unions to maintain uniform quality and ensure timely and fair payment to milk producers.
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Veterinary Courses Across All Universities
Dr. Yadav proposed that veterinary courses should be introduced in all universities across the state in collaboration with the Veterinary Council of India to address the growing need for skilled professionals in the animal husbandry and dairy sectors.
Innovation and Digitization in Dairy Sector
The meeting highlighted several innovative practices adopted by milk unions:
- Indore Milk Union has implemented a mobile app for milk collection, offering real-time updates to producers on milk quantity, quality, and price.
- Bhopal Milk Union has launched the ‘Doodh ka Doodh-Paani ka Paani’ campaign to promote quality assurance among consumers.
- Bhopal has also initiated the ‘Sanchi Bhaat Yojana’, providing ₹11,000 and clothes to cooperative members on the occasion of their daughters’ weddings.
- Ujjain Milk Union is offering special grants to improve livestock health, focusing on the welfare of dairy animals.
Need for Convergence with Other Agencies
Dr. Yadav called for better coordination between the milk unions, the Madhya Pradesh State Rural Livelihood Mission, and the Madhya Pradesh Agro Industries Corporation, to ensure integrated development of the dairy sector and farmer welfare.