Rajouri : In a significant step towards strengthening dairy sector and improving rural livelihood, the Animal Husbandry Department Rajouri, under the guidance of the Deputy Commissioner Abhishek Sharma has successfully mobilized and sponsored the establishment of a Milk Value Addition Unit in the District.
As part of this initiative, farmers of Village Kalali, Manjakote were sensitized and made fully aware of the vast scope and economic opportunities available in the domain of milk value addition. Through continuous counselling and field-level motivation by departmental officers, the farmers have successfully formed and registered a cooperative society titled “The Hill Fresh Dairy Cooperative Ltd.”
The cooperative society has formally submitted its proposal under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) for the activity “Assistance to Milk Value Addition Startups”. Under HADP, the applicant cooperative is eligible for financial assistance up to ₹25.00 lakh, enabling them to establish and operationalize a modern milk value addition unit that benefits the farming community of Manjakote and nearby areas.
Additionally, the Hill Fresh Dairy Cooperative has been encouraged and guided to apply for the Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF). Under AHIDF, beneficiaries can avail 3% interest subvention on bank loans for establishing milk processing and value addition units.
The initiative is an important intervention aimed at ensuring the availability of quality milk and milk products in the district; providing a structured and remunerative market to dairy farmers; enhancing income and promoting rural entrepreneurship; reducing wastage and improving the value chain efficiency in the dairy sector
Speaking on the development, the Deputy Commissioner appreciated the proactive efforts of the Animal Husbandry Department and emphasized that the initiative would serve as a model for farmer-led enterprises in the district. He further stated that strengthening the dairy sector is central to ensuring food security and enhancing economic resilience of rural households.
The Animal Husbandry Department Rajouri, remains committed to facilitating farmer cooperatives, supporting entrepreneurship and promoting sustainable dairy development across the district.
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