Under the initiative, farmers will receive high milk-yielding cows and buffaloes.
The second phase of the dairy development project will be implemented in 11 districts of Vidarbha and eight districts of Marathwada through the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) in collaboration with Mother Dairy.The decision was taken at a meeting in New Delhi between Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari and State Minister for Environment and Animal Husbandry Pankaja Munde. The discussion focused on promoting milk collection and fodder cultivation to strengthen the region’s dairy sector.
The project aims to collect surplus milk, promote dairy development, increase the population of milch animals, generate self-employment and provide financial support to farmers. The first phase of the project covered 11 districts, and the second phase will expand its reach to 19 districts across Vidarbha and Marathwada.
Other benefits for farmers
Under the initiative, farmers will receive high milk-yielding cows and buffaloes, along with animal reproductive supplements and feed additives to enhance milk fat and SNF (solids-not-fat) content. The scheme also includes subsidies for perennial fodder cultivation, distribution of electric chaff cutters and silage and training for farmers in modern dairy management practices to boost productivity and income.The move is vital for the two regions of Vidarbha and Marathwada, which are infamous for farmer suicides. The government expects that the milk business will play a pivotal role in addressing agrarian distress in the region and improve financial conditio of the farmers.
