Punjab Launches ₹135 Cr Dairy Expansion in Majha

In a significant move to bolster Punjab’s dairy sector, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has unveiled a ₹135 crore expansion project for the Milkfed plant in Amritsar’s Majha region. The initiative aims to enhance the production of sterilized flavored milk and introduce new fermented dairy products such as lassi, curd, and rabri. This expansion is projected to generate an economic impact of ₹370 crore and create approximately 1,200 new jobs in the region.​During the announcement, CM Mann emphasized the government’s commitment to grassroots development, contrasting it with previous administrations. He highlighted plans to launch Verka, Punjab’s iconic dairy brand under Milkfed, on e-commerce platforms to reach a global audience. Additionally, celebrated Punjabi athletes will be roped in as brand ambassadors to enhance Verka’s international appealA new mascot, ‘Veera,’ was introduced to represent Verka’s values of quality, purity, and trust. Furthermore, new service rules for Milkfed employees were announced, aligning their salaries with government standards and introducing performance-based incentives to boost morale and efficiency.​Established in 1973, Milkfed Punjab is now the seventh-largest milk cooperative in India, with an annual turnover exceeding ₹6,000 crore. The government has allocated ₹100 crore in budgetary support to ensure higher procurement prices for farmers, aiming to make dairy farming more profitable. Investments in modern milk plants and state-of-the-art testing infrastructure are also underway to ensure the highest quality standards.​Industry Insight: This strategic investment underscores Punjab’s commitment to revitalizing its dairy sector, enhancing product offerings, and expanding market reach. Stakeholders should monitor the implementation of these initiatives, as they present significant opportunities for growth and collaboration within the industry.