Rajasthan’s CM Vision for Dairy Expansion to Be Soon Realised; Centre Approves Major Projects for Cooperative Growth

Jaipur, May 2026 : Chief Minister Shri Bhajanlal Sharma’s vision to expand the dairy sector in the state and elevate the “Saras” brand of the Rajasthan Cooperative Dairy Federation (RCDF) to the national level is set to be realised soon. A high-level committee meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Shri V. Srinivas has granted in-principle approval from the Central Government for financial assistance of ₹1500 crore to RCDF.

Under this approval, ₹1000 crore will be provided through the JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) project and ₹500 crore under the National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD). This funding will support the expansion of milk procurement, processing, and marketing infrastructure under RCDF.

At present, RCDF handles about 45 lakh litres of milk per day, which will be increased to 65 lakh litres per day. Milk processing capacity in the state will also be expanded by 20 lakh litres per day.

The high-level committee meeting was held on Tuesday at the Secretariat to implement decisions taken in two earlier state-level meetings chaired by the Chief Minister. Chief Secretary Shri V. Srinivas stated that the state government is working to establish “Saras” not just as a cooperative dairy institution but as a strong national dairy brand.

He directed officials to expand Saras outlets and dairy parlours across the state, set up new processing plants, and increase milk processing capacity. He also instructed that required projects be moved forward quickly in coordination with the Finance Department.

He emphasised the development of an integrated value chain covering milk production, procurement, processing, and marketing to ensure better income for milk producers.

Secretary of the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India, Shri Naresh Pal Gangwar, stated that dairy projects in Rajasthan are being implemented effectively. He appreciated RCDF’s 100% implementation of the National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD) and assured full central support in developing Saras as a national brand.

He added that strengthening livestock quality and health is essential for long-term dairy development, as efficient procurement, processing, and marketing depend on high-quality livestock.

The meeting was attended by Additional Secretary Smt. Varsha Joshi and other senior officials from the Government of India, as well as NDDB Chairman Shri Minesh Shah, who shared details on breed improvement programmes and efforts to provide high-quality livestock to farmers.

RCDF Managing Director Smt. Shruti Bhardwaj presented a detailed roadmap on the current status and future expansion plans of the dairy sector. She informed that Rajasthan ranks second in milk production and per capita milk availability in the country, with around 10 crore kilograms of milk produced daily. More than 20,000 dairy cooperative societies are functioning at the village level, directly benefiting farmers.

The meeting also agreed to provide special assistance for increasing milk collection in tribal and drought-prone regions, including installation of bulk milk coolers, breed improvement initiatives, and strengthening of animal health services.

It was further decided to expand the Saras network to neighbouring states including Delhi, Haryana, NCR, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh, and to establish Saras as a national brand. New Saras booths, parlours, and plazas will also be opened at major religious and tourist destinations, government offices, educational institutions, and medical facilities.

The meeting was attended by Director of Animal Husbandry Shri Suresh Meena and other senior departmental officials.