Shimla: In a move to transform the agricultural sector, Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced an initiative to integrate traditional farming techniques with modern technologies.
Speaking at an interaction meet with milk producers at Hotel Peterhoff in Shimla, the Chief Minister unveiled plans to introduce innovative schemes in the upcoming budget to elevate farmer incomes significantly.
Acknowledging the crucial role of agriculture and milk production in the rural economy, Chief Minister Sukhu emphasized the government's commitment to fostering self-reliance among farmers.
He highlighted the intrinsic connection between agriculture and milk production, advocating for a shift towards natural and organic farming practices while embracing modern technologies.
"We intend to bring revolutionary change in the agriculture sector with special focus on promoting animal husbandry," stated Chief Minister Sukhu.
He revealed plans to increase the milk purchase price by six rupees, signaling a concerted effort to bolster the dairy sector and ensure a stable income for farmers.
Under the proposed scheme, the government plans to implement fundamental changes in policies and rules to facilitate direct financial benefits for farmers.
Additionally, tax concessions for milk producers are under consideration to further support the agricultural community.
Chief Minister Sukhu underscored the superior quality of milk in the Himalayan region and outlined initiatives to enhance its marketing, thereby augmenting farmers' incomes. The introduction of the 'Him Ganga Yojana' with a budget provision of Rs 500 crore aims to strengthen the milk-based economy of the state.
As part of the initiative, a state-of-the-art milk processing plant with a capacity of 1.5 lakh liters per day, expandable to 3 lakh liters, will be established in Dhagwar, Kangra district.
Utilizing unutilized land for solar plants under the Rajiv Gandhi Self-Employment Startup Scheme's second phase will further bolster the rural economy.
In an open dialogue session with farmers, Chief Minister Sukhu assured to incorporate their suggestions into the policy framework, demonstrating a commitment to inclusive decision-making.
The event also featured an exhibition by MILKFED, providing a platform for interaction between policymakers and farmers.
Secretary of Animal Husbandry, Rakesh Kanwar, welcomed the Chief Minister and elaborated on the initiatives to strengthen the dairy sector.
