Gopalganj: Chief Minister Nitish Kumar laid the foundation stone for a state-of-the-art milk production plant with a capacity of one lakh liters per day in Bairiya village, Kateya block, Gopalganj district, on Saturday. The plant, set to be built at a cost of Rs. 53.64 crore, is part of Bihar’s efforts to boost local milk production and provide economic opportunities for cattle rearers in the region.
Accompanied by officials, CM Nitish performed the ceremonial Bhoomi Pujan and unveiled a stone plaque to mark the occasion. The site plan was presented, detailing the plant’s potential to benefit farmers in Gopalganj, Siwan, and West Champaran districts, while also creating employment opportunities for the local population.
Speaking at the event, CM Nitish urged officials to complete the project within the stipulated timeframe, emphasizing its importance for the region’s development. He also highlighted the state’s Jal-Jeevan-Hariyali Abhiyan, a campaign focused on environmental conservation. “Life is secure only between water and greenery. It is our collective responsibility to protect the environment,” he said.
The Chief Minister inspected stalls set up by departments such as Animal and Fisheries Resources, Agriculture, Rural Development, COMFED, and Jeevika. He also distributed keys for battery-operated tricycles to beneficiaries under the Divyang Empowerment Student Scheme.
The milk production plant, spanning 10.81 acres, will include a processing facility, administrative building, service block, and storage units. The initiative, part of the state government’s Saat Nishchay-2 program, aims to create 7,000 new milk committees by 2024–25. Gopalganj district will see significant involvement in this expansion, with the plant ensuring local processing and market access for milk producers. Officials estimate the facility will benefit nearly 50,000 farmers across Gopalganj, Siwan, and West Champaran.
Government Support for Dairy Sector
The state government is also offering subsidies for the purchase of milch animals to encourage dairy farming. This initiative aligns with Bihar’s goal of strengthening the rural economy through sustainable agriculture and livestock management.
Dignitaries in Attendance
The event was attended by several prominent leaders and officials, including Animal and Fisheries Resources Minister Renu Devi, who welcomed the Chief Minister with a bouquet. Principal Secretary Dr. N. Vijayalakshmi presented a sapling to Kumar.
Other attendees included Water Resources and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary, Education Minister Sunil Kumar, Sugarcane Industry Minister Krishnanandan Paswan, Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Welfare Minister Janak Ram, MP Dr. Alok Kumar Suman, and MLAs Amarendra Kumar Pandey and Kusum Devi. Senior officials such as Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dr. S. Siddharth, Commissioner of Saran Division Gopal Meena, and District Magistrate Prashant Kumar CH were also present.
The project, once completed, is expected to be a game-changer for the dairy sector in Bihar, providing economic benefits to farmers and enhancing the state’s agricultural output.
