Prayagraj Division to Expand Dairy Network with 120 New Milk Cooperatives
The Uttar Pradesh government has unveiled an ambitious plan to establish 120 new milk cooperative societies across the Prayagraj division as part of the Nand Baba Milk Cooperative Mission. This initiative is specifically designed to enhance the earnings of dairy farmers and actively promote the rearing of indigenous cattle breeds throughout the region.
Strategic Implementation and Farmer Benefits
Manish Kumar Chaudhary, the General Manager of the Prayagraj Milk Cooperative Union, provided detailed insights into the rollout. "We are setting up as many as 120 new milk cooperative societies in the division during this current financial year, with 50 of these located specifically within Prayagraj district," he stated. These societies are being established directly in villages by the union to maximize local impact and accessibility.
The expansion is expected to link approximately 5,000 farmers and cattle rearers to these new cooperative structures. The primary function of these societies will be to purchase milk directly from these farmers and supply it to the union, ensuring a streamlined and profitable market channel for their produce.
Significant Growth in Milk Production and Supply
Currently, the Prayagraj division has 293 active milk cooperative societies. The addition of 120 new ones represents a substantial increase in capacity and outreach. This growth is already reflected in production metrics; daily milk supply in Prayagraj has surged to 8,000 litres, a remarkable increase from the previous level of only 3,000 litres.
Beyond procurement, these societies are implementing supportive measures for farmers. They are providing free animal feed to the cattle farmers associated with each society, which helps reduce overhead costs and encourages sustainable dairy farming practices.
Broader Economic and Social Impact
The establishment of these new cooperatives under the Nand Baba Mission is poised to deliver multiple benefits. Firstly, it will significantly increase the income of milk-producing farmers by offering them a reliable and organized market. Secondly, it ensures the supply of pure, quality milk to consumers across the division, addressing both economic and public health objectives.
By focusing on indigenous cattle breeds, the mission also aligns with broader agricultural and cultural preservation goals, supporting biodiversity and traditional farming knowledge within Uttar Pradesh's dairy sector.
