Haryana Steps Up Efforts to Strengthen Dairy Sector and Boost Livestock Farmers' Income: Shyam Singh Rana

 Rs 361 crore disbursed for cattle fodder support between October 2024 and November 2026

 80 Bulk Milk Coolers allocated during 2024-26 to strengthen milk chilling infrastructure

 Rs 133.11 crore transferred to nearly 51,000 beneficiaries under Mukhyamantri Dugdh Utpadak Protsahan Yojana

 Chandigarh, November 11

Haryana Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Minister Sh. Shyam Singh Rana said the state government is taking sustained measures to enhance the income of livestock farmers, strengthen dairy infrastructure and create greater economic opportunities in rural areas.

Highlighting various initiatives undertaken to promote animal husbandry, the Minister said the government is focusing on financial assistance, modern infrastructure, breed improvement and value addition in the dairy sector to make livestock rearing more productive and economically rewarding.

Sh. Sh. Shyam Singh Rana said that, in line with Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi's vision, environmental conservation and livestock development remain integral to the country's economic priorities. The Haryana Government is pursuing initiatives aimed at strengthening these sectors while supporting the livelihoods of farmers and livestock rearers.

Giving details of financial assistance for cattle welfare, the Minister said approximately Rs 361 crore was disbursed between October 2024 and November 2026 as fodder grants for cattle housed in registered Gaushalas and Nandishalas across the state, as well as rehabilitated cattle.

He said efforts are also being made to promote dairy processing and encourage the consumption of nutritious milk-based products. As part of these initiatives, several value-added products have been launched, including pistachio- and saffron-flavoured milk, barley and sorghum laddoos, pearl millet laddoos and mango lassi.

 Focus on Modern Dairy Infrastructure and Breed Improvement

The Minister said particular emphasis is being placed on upgrading dairy infrastructure, especially at the cooperative society level. To strengthen milk chilling facilities and improve milk handling, 80 Bulk Milk Coolers were allocated during 2024-26.

Highlighting progress in livestock breed improvement, Sh. Rana said a modern Sex-Sorted Semen Laboratory has been established in Hisar at a cost of approximately Rs 18.63 crore. The facility is aimed at supporting scientific breeding practices and improving the genetic potential of livestock in the state.

The Minister further said that direct financial assistance is being provided to dairy farmers under the *Mukhyamantri Dugdh Utpadak Protsahan Yojana. Between October 2024 and September 2026, subsidy amounting to Rs 133.11 crore was transferred directly into the bank accounts of approximately 51,000 beneficiaries under the scheme.

Sh. Sh. Shyam Singh Rana said these initiatives reflect the government's continued focus on making animal husbandry and dairy farming more financially viable. By combining direct financial support with improved infrastructure, modern breeding technology and dairy product diversification, the state government aims to enhance farmers' earnings and strengthen the rural economy.He reiterated that the government remains committed to the economic empowerment of livestock farmers and the long-term development of the animal husbandry sector in Haryana.