Under the leadership of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, the state government has taken a significant step towards strengthening the dairy sector. Under this recently announced scheme, livestock farmers and dairy farmers in the villages of Hoshiarpur and Taragarh will be provided with a total financial assistance of ₹59 lakh. This initiative is part of the government’s vision to take livestock farming and the dairy industry in Punjab to new heights. The scheme will allocate ₹17 lakh in Rajpura and ₹42 lakh in Taragarh, which will lead to the modernization of local veterinary hospitals and an improvement in the economic condition of the farmers.
The Punjab government has reaffirmed its commitment to the welfare of livestock farmers by distributing an aid amount of ₹3 crore to 204 dairy farmers this year. This amount was provided for the establishment of dairy units with 2 to 20 animals. Furthermore, 9,150 unemployed youths have been provided with dairy training to enable them to gain self-employment opportunities. Across the state, 47 state and district-level seminars and camps have been organized, where livestock farmers were educated about the benefits of the insurance scheme, the claim process, and animal health management. This initiative is proving helpful in enhancing participation and trust.
In a recent review meeting, the Minister for Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs, Lal Chand Kataruchak, stated that the government has made extensive preparations to facilitate over 8 lakh farmers during the wheat procurement season. He mentioned that Hoshiarpur district is expected to contribute over 3.14 lakh metric tonnes of wheat, while Jalandhar, Kapurthala, and Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar will contribute 5.25 lakh, 3.61 lakh, and 2.64 lakh metric tonnes, respectively. The Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to procuring every grain brought by the farmers and warned that any negligence in the procurement process would not be tolerated.
Under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Punjab’s dairy industry is witnessing a remarkable transformation. A major project worth ₹135 crore has been launched in the Majha region, aimed at significantly increasing the production capacity of sterilized flavored milk and fermented dairy products like lassi and dahi (curd). This bold move strengthens Punjab’s position as a leading state in high-quality milk production. Upgraded facilities at the local milk plant will boost production capacities, ensuring a continuous supply of value-added milk products to meet the growing demand in the region and beyond.
Principal Secretary of the Animal Husbandry Department, Rahul Bhandari, informed that approximately 30,000 animals have been insured, and aid amounting to ₹7 crore has been distributed to farmers in the financial year 2024-25. Under this scheme, farmers receive immediate financial assistance in case of animal death or disease, helping them continue supporting their families. The government has directed officials to actively educate the youth about dairy farming and inform them about departmental schemes so that maximum benefits reach the grassroots level.
Significant steps are also being taken towards the modernization of veterinary hospitals. Under the Central Government’s scheme, 100% financial assistance is being provided for the procurement and customization of Mobile Veterinary Units. This service is available at the farmers’ doorstep through a toll-free number, offering services including disease diagnosis, treatment, vaccination, minor surgical interventions, and extension services. Veterinary treatment facilities in Punjab are currently being strengthened, which is increasing the capacity for early detection and management of livestock diseases.
Verka branded products are now being launched on e-commerce platforms, making iconic products like milk, dahi, and lassi accessible to global consumers. Under the Chief Minister’s guidance, innovative branding efforts, including the introduction of a celebrity brand ambassador and a new mascot, ‘Veera,’ are poised to enhance consumer engagement and elevate brand visibility on the global stage. The state is also introducing new dairy products, including traditional favorites like rabri and kaju badam milk. These additions reflect a deep understanding of consumer tastes and a commitment to innovation.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann stated that Punjab has received investments exceeding ₹50,000 crore in the last year and a half. He asserted that Punjab enjoys complete communal harmony and has a favorable environment for industrial development, which is accelerating the state’s overall growth and prosperity. The establishment of a ₹138 crore cattle feed plant by the Netherlands-based De Heus company in Rajpura exemplifies how Punjab is becoming a preferred destination for investors. This plant will provide high-quality animal feed to farmers and help increase their income.
Local farmers and livestock owners have welcomed this initiative. A dairy farmer from Hoshiarpur said, “This scheme will prove to be a boon for us. This government initiative will provide us with better medical facilities for our animals and improve our economic condition.” Veterinary experts also praised the move, saying that the establishment of modern diagnostic laboratories at the district level will greatly assist the livestock sector. Since most livestock farmers cannot afford private testing, setting up district-level public diagnostic laboratories is a welcome step.
Under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Punjab is not only reviving its dairy heritage but also redefining it for a new era of global excellence. Assuring fair pricing and continuous growth opportunities for dairy farmers and livestock owners, the government is encouraging them to increase their contribution. With active expansion into new markets like Delhi and NCR, the state’s principal dairy cooperative organization is rapidly expanding its footprint across India. This initiative will not only boost farmers’ income but also establish Punjab as a leading state in the field of dairy production.
