Maharashtra govt’s nod to agricultural power connection to khoya producers to save trees, lower costs

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: Maharashtra govt's approval for providing electricity connections under ‘agriculture and others' tariff category for khoya producers using induction machines is all set to give the much required boost to the industry. This move, effective from Tuesday, is simultaneously expected to reduce deforestation, lower production costs, and promote environmental sustainability.Maharashtra, a major hub for khoya production, currently produces between 900 and 1,000 tonnes of khoya daily, with around 40 to 50 tonnes supplied by Dharashiv district alone. According to the locals, making one kg of khoya requires burning three kg of firewood. This practice led to massive deforestation, with an estimated one crore trees cut down annually. Now, the new tariff is set to help transition khoya production to induction-based methods, drastically reducing tree felling and curbing environmental degradation.Vinod Jogdand, leader of Khoya Manufacturers Association, told TOI that the revised tariff is expected to generate large-scale employment, particularly in rural areas. "Currently, around 2 to 2.5 lakh people, including dairy farmers and khoya producers, are employed in this sector. With lower electricity costs and increased affordability of induction machines, the industry is projected to create an additional three to four lakh jobs, particularly benefiting women and young entrepreneurs."Moreover, the shift to modern production techniques is expected to enhance the quality of khoya, making it more competitive in global markets. This could lead to increased exports, further boosting Maharashtra's dairy industry.According to the khoya manufacturers, one of the biggest challenges khoya producers faced was high electricity cost as they were charged under the industrial tariff category. Industrial connections required a minimum of 25 kW power, and producers had to pay high fixed charges, including maximum demand charges. These costs made induction-based production unaffordable for many small-scale farmers.By shifting khoya production to ‘agriculture and others' tariff category, the govt significantly lowered these costs, making it easier for farmers to adopt modern, sustainable technology, said another dairy farmer.Traditional wood-fired kilns not only contribute to deforestation but also pose serious health risks to workers due to excessive smoke exposure. Respiratory illnesses are common among those involved in khoya production. The introduction of induction-based technology will eliminate smoke emissions, creating a safer and healthier work environment.The khoya cluster in Bhoom tehsil of Dharashiv district, along with Nirmal Milk Product Association, had been actively advocating this change for the past three to four years. Their consistent efforts, along with the support of state officials and industry representatives, have now resulted in a favourable policy shift.To encourage adoption of solar-powered induction machines, the govt is offering subsidies ranging from 25% to 60% under various schemes, including PMEGP, CMEGP, PMFME, and SMART. Farmers and small-scale producers are encouraged to take advantage of these benefits to modernise their production methods and contribute to a more sustainable future.