Patna: Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Monday set a target of producing 10 million litres of milk daily and said the state government plans to develop Sudha as an international brand.
Choudhary made the announcement in Nalanda while laying the foundation stone for a 20-metric-tonne-per-day curd and lassi plant, a COMFED-operated HPCL petrol pump and a Sudha Cafeteria at the Biharsharif Dairy Project complex.
He also distributed deep freezers to 300 retailers, flagged off livestock pickup and transportation vehicles and inaugurated a training programme for livestock farmers.
Dairy Sector Expansion
Choudhary said Bihar currently accounts for 25 per cent of India’s total milk production and that the government intends to strengthen the dairy sector through improved technology, livestock training, better breeds, animal healthcare and modern dairy infrastructure.
He said the new curd and lassi plant would help farmers secure better prices for their produce while supporting rural economic activity.
The chief minister said the government wants Bihar’s dairy sector to move beyond meeting domestic demand and establish Sudha in international markets. He said the focus would be on quality, modern technology, value addition and export potential.
Separate Federation For Goat Rearing
The government will establish a separate federation to promote goat rearing and develop systems for the collection, processing and marketing of goat milk, Choudhary said.
He said goat rearing could increase the income of lakhs of rural families, particularly women. He also highlighted the work being carried out by Jivika Didis in goat rearing.
Choudhary said Nalanda would be developed as a major milk production and dairy processing hub through modern processing facilities, cold-chain infrastructure, marketing networks and new projects.
1,000 Veterinary Medicine Centres Planned
The chief minister announced that Pradhan Mantri Pashu Jan Aushadhi Kendras would be established across Bihar to provide affordable veterinary medicines to livestock owners.
A total of 1,000 centres will be established across the state’s blocks, according to the announcement.
Choudhary also said specialised livestock transport vehicles would help provide timely medical care to animals involved in accidents.
2,500 New Cooperative Societies
The chief minister said 2,500 new cooperative societies have been formed in Bihar, while around 2,000 milk production societies have been established over the past six to seven months.
The government also plans to open new Sudha outlets at 200 locations, with sites for 88 outlets already selected, he said.
Choudhary further announced plans to establish rural markets, or haats, on available government land in villages to facilitate the sale of milk, vegetables and fish.
He said the initiatives would give fresh momentum to Bihar’s dairy sector, increase the incomes of livestock farmers and contribute to the state’s broader development goals.
Ministers And Officials Attend Event
Deputy Chief Minister Bijendra Prasad Yadav, Rural Development Minister Shrawon Kumar and Dairy, Fisheries and Animal Resources Minister Nand Kishore Ram also addressed the event.
MLA Jitendra Kumar, former MLA Sunil Kumar, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Deepak Kumar, Dairy, Fisheries and Animal Resources Department Secretary Shirshat Kapil Ashok, Animal Husbandry Department Director Ujwal Kumar Singh, Nalanda District Magistrate Udita Singh and Superintendent of Police Bharat Soni were among those present.
COMFED representatives, Jivika Didis, milk-producing farmers and other public representatives and officials also attended the programme.
