Chhattisgarh’s Dairy Revolution: Strengthening Rural Economy and Boosting Farmers’ Income – CM Vishnu Deo Sai
Raipur: Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai reiterated the state government’s commitment to transforming Chhattisgarh into a leader in dairy production by boosting farmers’ income, strengthening rural infrastructure, and achieving self-sufficiency in milk production. Highlighting the importance of the dairy sector as a catalyst for economic growth, he emphasized that concerted efforts are being made to turn milk production into a profitable and sustainable industry.
Speaking at a high-level review meeting of the Animal Husbandry Department at Mahanadi Bhavan, Chief Minister Shri Sai noted that a strategic pilot project, developed in collaboration with the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), is set to drive large-scale expansion in the dairy sector. The initiative follows the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Chhattisgarh Government and NDDB in December 2024, aimed at accelerating dairy development across the state.
Chief Minister Shri Sai highlighted that a significant portion of Chhattisgarh’s population depends on agriculture, with dairy farming serving as a critical secondary source of income. To ensure the seamless implementation of the pilot project, the state government has committed an initial investment of ₹5 crore. Initially covering six districts, the project will later be scaled up to establish Chhattisgarh as a major dairy producer in India.
Dairy Growth to Strengthen Rural Economy and Enhance Nutrition
Chief Minister Shri Sai emphasized that expanding the dairy sector will generate new employment opportunities, increase rural incomes, and play a crucial role in improving the nutritional standards of women and children. He directed officials to prioritize initiatives that boost per capita milk availability and optimize the utilization of surplus milk. To maximize the impact of this initiative, he called for awareness campaigns to educate farmers and dairy entrepreneurs on adopting modern dairy technologies, scientific breeding practices, and efficient farm management.
NDDB’s Strategic Roadmap for Chhattisgarh’s Dairy Industry
During the meeting, NDDB Chairman Shri Meenesh Shah provided an overview of the current dairy landscape and the strategic roadmap for its expansion. He reported that Chhattisgarh currently produces approximately 5.8 million kilograms of milk per day, with huge untapped potential for growth.
To accelerate the sector’s development, NDDB has formulated a comprehensive action plan, which includes trengthening cooperative dairy societies to provide modern processing and marketing infrastructure, enhancing milk quality testing facilities to maintain superior dairy standards, implementing a digital payment system to ensure instant transactions for farmers, promoting biogas and bio-fertilizer plants to create additional income streams and encourage sustainable practices.
Commitment to Self-Sufficiency and a Thriving Dairy Ecosystem
Chief Minister Shri Sai emphasized that the successful execution of the pilot project will pave the way for making Chhattisgarh self-sufficient in dairy production. He urged officials to focus on enhancing livestock productivity, improving breeding programs and strengthening animal nutrition policies.
Chief Minister’s Vision – Making Chhattisgarh a Dairy Powerhouse
Reaffirming his commitment to transforming Chhattisgarh into a hub for dairy innovation and self-reliance, Chief Minister Shri Sai stated, “We are committed to revolutionizing the dairy sector by integrating cutting-edge technology, modern infrastructure, and scientific farming techniques. By expanding milk production, supporting farmers with better facilities, and fostering sustainable dairy practices, we aim to establish Chhattisgarh as a leader in India’s dairy industry.”
The review meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Shri Amitabh Jain, Chief Minister’s Principal Secretary Shri Subodh Singh, Agricultural Production Commissioner Smt. Shahla Nigar, Director of Animal Husbandry Shri R. Ekka, along with senior officials from the NDDB and Chhattisgarh government.
