In a bid to promote the sale of indigenous (Desi) cow’s milk in the state, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today asked the MILKFED to introduce a premium brand of this healthy milk under its popular brand name of Verka.A decision to this effect was taken by the Chief Minister while presiding over a high level meeting to encourage rearing of indigenous cow breed in the state, here at Punjab Bhawan this morning.Taking part in deliberations, the Chief Minister said that there was huge demand of this milk amongst the health conscious residents of the state, which could help in turning the fortunes of Dairy farmers of the state. Mr. Badal said that this would fulfil twin objective of supplying nutritious milk to the consumers besides increasing the earnings of the dairy farmers. He further asked the MILKFED to start a vigorous marketing campaign for popularising this brand of milk.
The Chief Minister asked the MILKFED to introduce a price support mechanism for purchasing this milk from the farmers and then market it under its brand name Verka to popularise it amongst the people. He said that MILKFED must procure this milk from dairy farmer at no profit basis adding that the loss incurred by it would be compensated by the state government. Mr. Badal also asked MILKFED to set up separate processing unit in the state for processing and marketing of this milk and its products.
In another significant decision, the Chief Minister also announced to set up special milk booths for sale of this milk in big cities across the state. He said that the state government would provide these booths to the dairy farmers who would sell their produce through these booths. Mr. Badal also announced that state government would provide 75% subsidy to farmers for constructing sheds to set up cluster of minimum 200 indigenous cows. He also announced that the state government would give 50% subsidy to private dairy farmers having indigenous cow breeds for setting up milk dispensers or purchasing any other equipment.
The Chief Minister also said that the state Cooperative bank would provide prompt loans to these dairy farmers for dairying activities. He also said that the state government would organise free educational tour abroad for the young students aspiring to open dairy farms of indigenous cows.Prominent amongst other present in the meeting included Additional Chief Secretary Mr. Mandeep Singh Sandhu, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. SK Sandhu, Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. KJS Cheema, Advisor Animal Husbandry Dr BK Uppal, Managing Director MILKFED Mr. Manjeet Singh Brar, Director Animal Husbandry Dr HS Sandha, Director Dairy Development Mr. Inderjit Singh, Vice Chancellor of Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU) Dr. AS Nanda and Chairman Punjab Cooperative Bank Mr. GS Mangat besides various progressive dairy farmers from across the state.