Dairy development essential for social, economic progress of Melghat: Gadkari

Nagpur: Union minister Nitin Gadkari on Sunday inaugurated a 2,000-litre bulk milk cooler at Dharani in Melghat, marking a key step towards strengthening dairy infrastructure in the tribal region.Speaking at the event through video conferencing, he said that the facility would give fresh momentum to milk production while generating local employment opportunities and improving income prospects for farmers. The facility is expected to streamline milk collection and prevent spoilage, a key challenge in remote pockets of Melghat."Dairy development is essential for the socio-economic progress of Melghat, as the region requires sustained livelihood support," Gadkari said. He noted that efforts are underway at multiple levels to strengthen rural employment and improve health indicators. The bulk milk cooler is part of that broader push, Gadkari said.Highlighting fodder management, Gadkari suggested cultivation of Napier grass and maize, and preparation of silage to ensure year-round green fodder availability. He added that increased milk production would directly translate into higher profits for farmers.The Union minister also referred to a 550 crore dairy project coming up in Nagpur. "Under the project, milk will be collected from Vidarbha and Marathwada for manufacturing value-added products such as paneer, cheese, ice cream," he added.Calling for improved veterinary support, Gadkari stressed the need for scientific cowshed management and the adoption of advanced breeding techniques, including embryo transfer, to increase productivity. He set a target of achieving 1 lakh litres of milk production from Melghat.The ‘Shishu Sanjeevani' programme aimed at children aged 3 to 6 years and those enrolled in anganwadis was also launched in 50 villages. The programme is planned to be expanded to 320 villages, with a focus on addressing malnutrition in the region.An inauguration ceremony and milk producers' meet were organised at Dharani in the presence of Minesh Shah, chairman of the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), managing director C P Devanand, Marathvarhad Milk Producer Company president Varsha Chavan and others. , Sampoorna Bambu Kendra Head Nirupama Deshpande, and social worker Dr Ravi Kolhe, among others.