CM Yogi: Women’s participation in milk cooperative societies and unions should be actively promoted

Lucknow : Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, chaired a meeting on the Pradeshik Cooperative Dairy Federation at his official residence. He emphasized the need for comprehensive training for employees of milk cooperative societies and ensuring they have access to necessary equipment. To foster healthy competition among milk cooperatives and unions, he urged proactive engagement with villages and farmers, aiming to strengthen operations and boost productivity.

The Chief Minister highlighted the importance of educating farmers about breeding superior dairy animals and providing them with scientific training. These measures, he noted, will not only enhance milk productivity but also increase farmers’ incomes. Recognizing the pivotal role of women in the dairy sector, he pointed to the success of the Balinee Milk Producer in Bundelkhand as a model for empowering women. He stressed that women’s participation in milk cooperatives and unions should be further encouraged to promote self-reliance.

Accountability and goal-setting at all levels within milk unions were also underscored. He called for improved milk quality testing and increased milk collection capacity. He said, “The Dairy Federation should develop a robust model to maximize benefits for farmers, rewarding those who excel in the sector.”

Additionally, the Chief Minister announced plans to establish compressed biogas plants using cow dung, with the state government providing land for these projects.

During the meeting, officials reported significant improvements in the state’s dairy sector. Compared to last year, both milk procurement and sales have increased, with collection now being directly managed by milk cooperatives. Farmers are receiving technical support to enhance milk production, ensuring urban consumers have access to high-quality milk at reasonable prices.

Currently, 18 cluster milk unions operate across the state. Dairy plants managed by the PCDF are active in Bareilly, Prayagraj, Moradabad, Jhansi, Azamgarh, Ayodhya, Lucknow, Meerut, Kannauj, Gorakhpur, and Kanpur. The NDDB operates plants in Varanasi, with plans underway to extend their operations to Kannauj, Gorakhpur, and Kanpur.