Mumbai, June 1: The dairy and livestock sector in Uttar Pradesh is reaching new heights of development. Government initiatives, easy loan facilities, and technological advancements are not only strengthening the economy of livestock farmers but also creating a sustainable and profitable employment avenue for the youth. In this context, livestock farmer Harsh Patel praised the central government’s schemes.
Harsh Patel shared that his family has been involved in livestock farming for the past 26 years. His father initiated the business, and now he is striving to modernize it with the help of government programs and advanced technologies.
In an interview with a news agency, Patel mentioned that he has benefited from several schemes run by both the central and state governments, while he is also working to take advantage of others in the future.
He explained that obtaining loans for livestock farming used to involve numerous checks, documentation, and security formalities. However, this process has become significantly simpler now. Additionally, the Kisan Credit Card, which was primarily used for crop production, is now also supporting the livestock sector, providing farmers with much-needed financial assistance.
Patel noted that joining government-monitored institutions and dairy cooperatives has directly benefited livestock farmers. Previously, payments for milk sales were received after about 40 days, but now they are made weekly, alleviating cash flow issues for farmers.
However, he suggested that just as a Minimum Support Price (MSP) is set for crops, a similar price should be established for milk to ensure dairy producers receive fair compensation for their products.
Regarding insurance schemes, Patel stated that livestock farmers are benefiting from the joint livestock insurance schemes of the central and state governments. However, they often face challenges with claim settlements from private insurance companies. He emphasized that since the government pays the insurance premium, companies should not create unnecessary hurdles in claim processing, and the government should enforce stricter regulations in this regard.
He also mentioned that livestock farming was once viewed with disdain in society, but due to modern technologies and better management, it has now become a respectable and profitable profession. A significant number of youth are now attracted to the dairy and livestock sector, seeing it as a sustainable career option. The challenges that once plagued this sector have significantly diminished.
Meanwhile, Dairy Officer Sudhakar Prasad informed a news agency that under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s leadership, several effective schemes are being implemented for the development of the dairy sector in Uttar Pradesh. The positive impact of these schemes is evident, with a notable increase in dairy production. Currently, the district produces approximately 20,000 liters of milk daily.
According to Prasad, there are 270 dairy cooperatives operating in the district, with around 7,250 members, including 1,200 active women participants, marking a significant achievement in women’s empowerment.
He added that the computerization of cooperatives and the implementation of the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system have ensured that payments reach dairy producers’ accounts directly, enhancing transparency and making the payment process more efficient. He concluded that the schemes run by the central and state governments are proving extremely beneficial for dairy producers, leading to continuous progress in the dairy sector.
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