Deputy Commissioner Ramban, Mohammad Alyas Khan today handed over a cheque of ₹25 lakh to Chenab Dairy Farmer Producer Organization (FPO) based at Sujmatna Hevagon, Magerkote. The funds have been provided for the establishment of a Milk Value Addition Unit under the Dairy Development Scheme of the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP).
The initiative aims to strengthen the dairy sector in the district by promoting value addition and enhancing income opportunities for local dairy farmers. Notably, this is the second such milk processing unit established in District Ramban under the scheme. The unit has been sponsored by the Animal Husbandry Department with a 100 percent subsidy component under HADP.
The financial assistance includes ₹20 lakh for procurement of machinery, ₹2 lakh as working capital and ₹3 lakh for a vehicle to facilitate transportation and marketing of dairy products. The Deputy Commissioner appreciated the efforts of the Animal Husbandry Department for promoting dairy-based entrepreneurship in the district.
“Such initiatives under HADP will play a crucial role in strengthening the rural economy and supporting the livelihood of farmers,” he noted. Chief Animal Husbandry Officer Dr. Rajesh Arora informed that the Animal Husbandry department would also assist the FPO in developing proper market linkages to ensure that the processed dairy products reach a wider consumer base.
The Milk Value Addition Unit will process locally produced milk into value-added products such as curd, paneer and ghee, which will help increase the profitability of dairy farming in the area. The initiative is expected to benefit local dairy farmers by providing them with better prices for their produce while also creating employment opportunities in the region.