Madhya Pradesh to Become India’s Milk Capital: Chief Minister Dr. Yadav

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav stated that Gwalior is a sacred land with a rich tradition of cattle rearing and dairy farming dating back to ancient times. The Chief Minister said that animal husbandry and dairy are being developed as strong pillars of the rural economy. He added, describing the dairy sector as the backbone, that it serves as a powerful means of economic self-reliance for livestock farmers. The government is committed to ensuring prosperity for every farmer and livestock rearer in the state.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav stated that the government is promoting innovation and increasing investment in the dairy sector to generate new employment opportunities. The focus is on creating better livelihood options for youth within villages. The Chief Minister said that the goal is to make Madhya Pradesh a leading state in milk production. The government is working in mission mode to increase the income of livestock farmers and dairy producers and is taking all necessary steps to boost milk production. He reaffirmed the commitment to make Madhya Pradesh the “Milk Capital” of the country, emphasising the need for modern technology, better management, and active participation of all stakeholders. He also noted that Gwalior will play a significant role in achieving this goal.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav was addressing a state-level Sammelan of livestock farmers and dairy producers in Gwalior on Monday. He inaugurated the event by lighting the ceremonial lamp, distributed benefits to eligible beneficiaries under various schemes of the Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development Department, and encouraged participants to pledge their contribution towards making the state the milk capital.

On the occasion, he announced the opening of an Animal Care and Wellness Centre in Gwalior to provide local healthcare and treatment facilities for livestock, the upgradation of the existing animal health centre in Gwalior, and the establishment of a new veterinary hospital in Dabra. A video showcasing success stories of government incentives for livestock farmers and developments in the livestock sector was also presented.

One ‘Vrindavan Gram’ to be Developed in Every Block

Chief Minister  Dr. Yadav said that livestock farmers are a key pillar of the state’s economic prosperity. During the ‘Farmer Welfare Year’, the government will ensure the comprehensive welfare of livestock farmers and dairy producers. Chief Minister  Dr. Yadav announced that the government will procure all milk, whether from cows or buffaloes, and ensure fair prices for producers. He urged livestock farmers to rear healthy, high-quality animals and to make maximum use of the Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Kamdhenu Yojana.

Chief Minister  Dr. Yadav further said that the assistance amount for cattle feed has been increased from ₹20 to ₹40 per animal to ensure better nutrition. One “Vrindavan Gram” is being developed in every block to promote milk production and rural livelihoods. Assuring farmers, he stated that if land is acquired for development projects anywhere in the state, farmers will now receive four times the compensation as a mark of gratitude for their contribution.

₹10 lakh subsidy for setting up cowsheds with 25 cows

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that the dairy sector is a strong foundation for connecting villages to the mainstream of development and making farmers, livestock rearers and dairy producers self-reliant. The government is working to elevate milk production as a key driver of rural development and economic growth. He stated that milk has no substitute and plays a vital role in the nation’s progress. Referring to the bumper wheat production this year, he assured that the government will procure every grain from farmers. To promote economic self-reliance among livestock farmers, the state is working with the National Dairy Development Board to increase milk production.

New cowsheds are being established, and even those setting up a cowshed with just 25 cows are being provided a subsidy of ₹10 lakh per unit. The government is also ensuring that the benefits of rising milk prices reach livestock farmers directly. Stray and abandoned cattle are being rehabilitated in cowsheds, for which financial assistance is also being provided. Additionally, ‘Gau-Ambulance’ services have been introduced to provide on-the-spot treatment to sick animals, reaching farmers’ homes with just a phone call, reflecting the government’s commitment and sensitivity towards cattle welfare.

Lal Tipara Ideal Gaushala Houses over 10,000 Cattle

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that Gwalior district holds special significance, with 68,737 livestock farmers managing more than 4 lakh animals and producing over 605 metric tonnes of milk daily. He highlighted the Lal Tipara Ideal Gaushala as a model of self-reliance, housing over 10,000 cattle. It produces over 25 tonnes of organic fertiliser and 2 tonnes of CNG daily from more than 100 tonnes of cow dung. He also mentioned other gaushalas, such as Shri Krishnayan Desi Cow Protection Gaushala in Ghatigaon, which houses over 2,000 cattle and gaushalas in Torda and Jujharpur villages in Bhitarwar, where products like cow dung logs, organic manure, milk and ghee are produced. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav added that the Gwalior district has achieved notable success in agriculture as well. Under the National Natural Farming Mission, 3,125 farmers across 25 clusters are engaged in natural and organic farming.

Exhibition and review of schemes

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav inaugurated the sammelan with cow worship and later visited an exhibition based on the ‘Vrindavan Gram’ theme organised by the Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development Department.He reviewed various stalls and directed officials to ensure effective implementation of schemes and maximum benefit to beneficiaries. Around 22 stalls were set up, showcasing schemes such as self-reliant gaushalas, Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Kamdhenu Yojana, Ksheer Dhara Gram Yojana, National Livestock Mission, mobile veterinary units, dairy outreach campaigns, and lab testing of dairy products under cooperative initiatives. Other departments, including Women and Child Development, Agriculture Mechanisation, Fisheries, Health and Horticulture, also displayed informative exhibits on welfare schemes.

Over 5 lakh cattle are being Managed Through Gaushalas

Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development, Shri Lakhan Patel, said that this was the first large-scale gathering of livestock farmers and dairy producers in the state and will prove to be a milestone for the dairy sector. He stated that the government is committed to developing animal husbandry and dairy entrepreneurship as a sustainable, technology-driven employment model. Minister Shri Lakhan Patel said that daily milk collection in the state has risen from 9 lakh to 12 lakh litres in collaboration with the National Dairy Development Board, with a target of reaching 50 lakh litres per day. Efforts are underway to improve cattle breeds and make gaushalas high-tech and self-reliant through schemes – Ksheersagar Yojana, Hiranyagarbha Yojana and Dr. Ambedkar Kamdhenu Yojana.

Minister Shri Patel stated that the number of gaushalas has significantly increased, with around 1,300 new ones established after raising assistance to ₹40 per animal. Currently, more than 5 lakh cattle are being cared for in these gaushalas. Through 4,156 model villages, initiatives such as artificial insemination, vaccination, castration, green fodder production, and breed improvement are being promoted.

The conference was attended by Water Resources Minister and District In-charge Minister Shri Tulsi Ram Silawat, Energy Minister Shri Pradyuman Singh Tomar, Member of Parliament Shri Bharat Singh Kushwah, Cooperative Bank representative Shri Mahendra Singh Yadav, and several other public representatives, along with a large number of livestock farmers, dairy producers, and beneficiaries from Gwalior district and the surrounding region.