Bhopal, October 2 (Daily Kiran) : The Madhya Pradesh Congress party has raised concerns regarding the decline in the state’s dairy cooperative network just a day before Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah’s visit to Bhopal. State Congress President Jitu Patwari questioned the government’s efforts to strengthen the ‘Sanchi’ dairy system.
Patwari highlighted that the number of dairy cooperative societies has dropped from 7,811 in 2019-20 to 5,502 in 2024-25. Additionally, membership has decreased from 268,000 to approximately 209,000. He demanded accountability for this decline and inquired about the current status of the dairy sector.
He also challenged the goal of increasing daily milk procurement from 1.05 million kilograms to 2 million kilograms, seeking updates on progress made since a 2025 agreement with the National Dairy Development Board.
Amit Shah is scheduled to arrive in Bhopal on Friday evening, where he will spend nearly 23 hours. On Saturday, he will participate in a state-level Gopalak conference at the BHEL Dussehra Maidan, expected to attract over 35,000 livestock owners and dairy cooperative members.
During his visit, Shah will distribute bonuses to dairy farmers associated with the Bhopal and Indore milk unions, provide assistance to gaushalas (cow shelters), honor dairy women, and distribute approval letters under the Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Kamdhenu scheme. According to a statement from the Madhya Pradesh government, he will also inaugurate a fermented dairy products plant at the Bhopal Cooperative Milk Union complex.
In response, Patwari emphasized that the government should focus on improving farmers’ incomes rather than just building dairy infrastructure. He questioned regional price disparities for milk and called for transparency regarding the difference between consumer prices and what farmers receive.
Patwari stressed the need for fair milk prices, timely payments, and a robust cooperative system for farmers. He argued that building plants is not a measure of development unless dairy farmers’ incomes increase. He also mentioned rising costs for feed, veterinary care, and labor, urging for a comprehensive plan to boost the income of milk producers.
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