Bhopal Bureau.
Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav has reiterated his pledge to make Madhya Pradesh the country’s milk capital. The state government’s goal is to make the state number one in milk production in India. Work is underway simultaneously on milk collection, strengthening gaushalas, the cooperative dairy system and raising the income of animal rearers.
More than 20,000 animal rearers took part in a recent state-level dairy producers and animal husbandry conference in Gwalior. Addressing the farmers at the conference, the Chief Minister said that those who have a cow at home are Gopals. His message presented animal husbandry not merely as a means of livelihood, but as work connected with respect and culture.
What is the Chief Minister’s pledge
In his address, the Chief Minister said Madhya Pradesh must be made number one in milk production and the state must become the country’s milk capital. He had expressed this pledge earlier on Republic Day as well. Departments have now been given targets to turn it into reality on the ground.
The state government believes that higher milk production will not only raise the income of animal rearers, but also strengthen the rural economy. Milk is a product for which there is demand every single day. Dairy work can therefore give farmers and animal rearers a regular source of income.
How much has milk collection grown
Animal Husbandry Minister Lakhan Patel told the conference that milk collection in the state has risen from 9 lakh litres to 12.5 lakh litres. The target now is to take it to 50 lakh litres.
This growth in collection shows that the cooperative dairy system in the state is gradually getting stronger. The network of milk collection centres is expanding from village to village, and animal rearers have begun selling their produce through the cooperative system. But the journey from 12.5 lakh litres to 50 lakh litres is still a long one. It will require expanding collection centres, chilling infrastructure, transport and processing units.
Strengthening gaushalas
Strengthening gaushalas is also an important part of this plan. The Chief Minister said that Rs 40 per cow per day will now be spent in gaushalas, up from Rs 20 per day earlier. The budget for gaushala grants is being raised from Rs 250 crore to Rs 505 crore.
The state has about 3,000 gaushalas, where around 5 lakh cattle are looked after. The increase in grants is expected to improve arrangements for fodder, water, medical care and upkeep in gaushalas. It will also help in managing stray cattle, which has been a major problem for farmers.
Gwalior’s special role
Gwalior district has been given a special role in this campaign. The district has 68,735 milk producers and more than 4 lakh livestock, which is why it records the highest milk production in the state. The conference in Gwalior laid special emphasis on advanced animal husbandry, increasing milk production and strengthening the cooperative-based model.
At the conference, Maitri workers, outstanding animal rearers, sarpanches of Kshirdhara villages and members of cooperative milk societies shared their experiences. An exhibition of schemes, techniques and innovations by the Animal Husbandry and Dairy Department and other departments at the fairground introduced rearers to new possibilities.
How will rearers’ income grow
Higher milk production will directly benefit the income of animal rearers. But increasing production alone is not enough. Breed improvement, balanced feed, timely vaccination and protection from disease are equally important. All these topics were covered at the conference.
The cooperative milk society model matters because in it, rearers collectively sell milk and get a fair price. Collection, testing and payment happen through a transparent system. This reduces dependence on middlemen and ensures rearers get the right price for their produce.
The government also has arrangements to support the setting up of gaushala units. Under the Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Kamdhenu Yojana, a gaushala unit of 25 cows can be established. This will help even small rearers start dairy work in an organised manner.
Krishi Kalyan Year 2026
The state government is observing the year 2026 as Krishi Kalyan Year. Under it, initiatives are being taken through such events to raise the income of animal rearers and strengthen the rural economy.
The logic of promoting agriculture and animal husbandry together is that farming combined with animal husbandry increases a farmer’s sources of income. Crop income is seasonal, while milk gives daily income. Together, the two give stability to a farm family’s economic condition.
The road ahead
To reach the goal of becoming the milk capital, the state will have to work on several fronts. First, the milk collection network must reach every village. Second, arrangements to keep milk chilled and deliver it to processing units on time must be strengthened. Third, the processing and marketing of milk products — ghee, paneer, curd, butter — must be developed.
Along with this, fodder arrangements, expansion of veterinary services and technical training for rearers are also necessary. If work happens on all these fronts, Madhya Pradesh’s goal of becoming number one in milk production can be achieved.
For rearers too, this is the time to improve their systems. Good-breed animals, balanced feed, clean milk and connection with cooperative societies — these four things can help them raise their income the most.
Disclaimer: This news has been prepared on the basis of available sources and verification. If there is any error in any fact, a correction will be published.
