State milk production rises by 3%

Garisain: The state's milk production has shown a consistent upward trend with current figures reaching 1,957.2 thousand tonnes, an increase of approximately 3.1% over the 1,897.8 thousand tonnes recorded in financial year 2024-25, informed dairy development minister Saurabh Bahuguna in the House on Friday.Based on the estimated population, the per capita daily milk availability in the state stands at 456 grams, approaching the national average of 485 grams, highlighting the state's steady progress in dairy output. "The milk production in 2015-16 was 1,656 thousand tonnes, and production has grown consistently since then," he added.The minister's statement came in response to a question raised by BJP MLA Brij Bhushan Gairola during Question Hour. He noted that the state's average daily milk production is 53.6 lakh kilograms, while estimated daily consumption is around 50.3 lakh kilograms. At present, 2,830 milk cooperative societies operate across the state.Bahuguna further highlighted several schemes aimed at boosting milk production and supporting local employment, including Ganga Gay Mahila Dairy, Silage and Milch Animal Nutrition, Milk Price Incentive and the State Livestock Mission. "Business worth Rs 399.5 crore was done from Aanchal brand milk and various products prepared from it in 2024-25. A business of approximately Rs 444 crore is expected in the financial year 2025-26," he added.The state's dairy development budget for the current fiscal is Rs 93 crore with a proposed allocation of Rs 140 crore for the next financial year.