In a major boost to dairy farming and rural livelihoods, the Maharashtra Government has approved an allocation of more than ₹149 crore for the implementation of Phase II of its Dairy Development Programme across all 19 districts of the Vidarbha and Marathwada regions.
The decision was approved during a State Cabinet meeting held in Mumbai and is expected to strengthen dairy infrastructure, improve farmer incomes, and accelerate the growth of the dairy sector in some of Maharashtra’s economically significant yet drought-prone regions.
Programme Expanded to All 19 Districts
The Dairy Development Programme was initially implemented in 11 districts. Following its progress and positive response from dairy farmers, the State Government has now decided to extend the scheme to all districts in Vidarbha and Marathwada.
The expansion is expected to provide wider access to dairy development initiatives, benefiting thousands of livestock farmers and milk producers across the two regions.
Strengthening Rural Livelihoods
Speaking after the Cabinet meeting, Maharashtra’s Dairy Development Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil said the programme is designed to improve the economic condition of farmers while promoting sustainable growth of the dairy industry.
According to the minister, dairy farming has emerged as an important supplementary source of income for rural households, particularly in regions where agriculture is frequently affected by irregular rainfall and climatic challenges.
The expanded programme is expected to create new opportunities for dairy farmers through improved support services, infrastructure development, and productivity enhancement measures.
Focus on Dairy Sector Growth
The initiative aligns with Maharashtra’s broader strategy of diversifying rural income sources and strengthening the livestock sector.
Industry experts note that dairy farming plays a crucial role in providing daily cash flow to farm families, unlike seasonal agricultural crops. Investments in dairy development can therefore contribute significantly to rural economic stability.
The programme is expected to support:
- Dairy infrastructure development
- Livestock productivity improvement
- Milk production enhancement
- Farmer capacity building and training
- Expansion of organized dairy activities
- Strengthening of milk procurement networks
Importance for Vidarbha and Marathwada
Vidarbha and Marathwada have long faced challenges related to water scarcity, drought, and fluctuating agricultural incomes. Policymakers increasingly view dairy farming as a resilient livelihood option that can help farmers diversify income sources and reduce dependence on crop agriculture alone.
Read More: PMEGP Helps Lakhimpur Youth Build Successful Dairy Enterprise in Uttar Pradesh
The expansion of the Dairy Development Programme is expected to encourage scientific dairy farming practices, improve animal husbandry services, and promote greater participation of small and marginal farmers in the organized dairy sector.
Supporting Maharashtra’s Dairy Economy
Maharashtra is one of India’s leading milk-producing states, with a large network of dairy cooperatives, private processors, and producer organizations. Continued investment in dairy development is seen as essential for meeting rising consumer demand for milk and value-added dairy products while enhancing farmer profitability.
The newly approved funding of over ₹149 crore signals the government’s commitment to strengthening the dairy value chain and creating sustainable income opportunities for rural communities.
As Phase II rolls out across all 19 districts, stakeholders expect the programme to contribute significantly to milk production growth, employment generation, and rural economic development in Vidarbha and Marathwada.
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