Himachal Pradesh Invests £201 Crore in Dhagwar Milk Processing Facility

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced on Wednesday that Rs 201 crore has been allocated for a milk processing plant in Dhagwar, Kangra district. The project is a collaboration with the National Dairy Development Board, and construction is set to commence soon.

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Initial Capacity and Future Expansion

The plant will initially process 1.50 lakh litres per day (LLPD) of milk, with plans to expand capacity to 3 LLPD. This fully automatic facility aims to produce various dairy products, including curd, lassi, butter, ghee, paneer, flavoured milk, khoya, and mozzarella cheese.

Chief Minister Sukhu highlighted that the project is expected to benefit farmers in Kangra, Hamirpur, Chamba, and Una districts. "As the project unfolds, it is poised to bring prosperity to the dairy farming community and ensure that farmers get good value for their hard work," he stated.

Future Product Lines

Once operational, the plant will also produce milk powder, ice cream, and different types of cheese. This expansion aims to diversify the product range and enhance the plant's profitability.

Sukhu emphasised the importance of strengthening the rural economy for Himachal Pradesh's self-sufficiency and prosperity. He noted that about 95 per cent of the state's population lives in rural areas. "Without achieving the goal of strengthening the rural economy by making farmers financially stable and strong, the vision of a prosperous and self-reliant Himachal remains unattainable," he said.

The initiative aims to uplift the rural economy by providing better financial stability for farmers. The plant's development is seen as a significant step towards achieving this goal.

This project marks a crucial development in Himachal Pradesh's efforts to boost its dairy industry. By enhancing local production capabilities, it aims to provide better economic opportunities for farmers in multiple districts.

The government's plan to start producing additional dairy products like milk powder and ice cream at this facility reflects its commitment to diversifying agricultural outputs. This diversification is expected to create more job opportunities and improve the overall economic landscape of the region.

In summary, this new milk processing plant represents a significant investment in Himachal Pradesh's rural economy. It promises not only to increase dairy production but also to provide substantial economic benefits for local farmers.