Introduction
Expanding Processing Capacity
The new facility, with a processing capacity of 50,000 liters per day, complements Duttnagar’s existing infrastructure, which includes a 20,000-liter capacity plant and a powder production unit with a capacity of 5 metric tonnes per day. Collectively, the daily processing capacity at Duttnagar now stands at an impressive 70,000 liters. This expansion is expected to meet the growing demand for dairy products within the state and beyond.
Supporting Local Farmers
The Duttnagar dairy plant is designed to produce a wide range of dairy products, including milk, ghee, butter, cheese, lassi, and flavored milk. This diversification ensures that local dairy farmers receive fair prices for their produce while reducing the state’s reliance on dairy imports. The recent hike in milk prices has further incentivized dairy farming, benefitting local producers and addressing issues like stray cattle on streets, as highlighted by Deputy Commissioner (DC) Shimla, Anupam Kashyap.
HPMilkfed’s Expanding Footprint
The Himachal Pradesh State Co-operative Milk Producers Federation Limited (HPMilkfed) plays a pivotal role in driving this revolution. Over the past decade, daily milk collection has surged from 25,000–26,000 liters in 2012 to an impressive 1 lakh liters today, with Kullu district contributing 95% of the supply. HPMilkfed currently manages 11 dairy processing plants across the state, with a total capacity of 1,30,000 liters per day.
Adoption of the Anand Pattern
Under the guidance of Dr. Vikas Sood, Managing Director of HPMilkfed, the federation has adopted Gujarat’s Anand Pattern, a model known for its success in dairy cooperatives. This strategy emphasizes the formation of village-level dairy cooperative societies to enhance milk procurement. To bolster this approach, HPMilkfed has invested in new infrastructure, including chilling centers, processing plants, and powder plants with capacities of 16 metric tonnes and 5 metric tonnes per day.
Empowering Farmers and Promoting Self-Employment
The Duttnagar plant is more than just a processing facility; it is a beacon of economic empowerment. By integrating more farmers into the dairy economy and promoting self-employment, the plant ensures better incomes and livelihoods for dairy producers. Additional facilities such as mineral mixture plants, urea-based block plants, and a bakery biscuit plant further diversify opportunities for local farmers and workers.
A Bright Future for Himachal’s Dairy Sector
The Duttnagar plant stands as a testament to the state’s commitment to strengthening its dairy ecosystem. By focusing on local production, employment generation, and the empowerment of small-scale farmers, Himachal Pradesh is setting a precedent for sustainable dairy development. With continued investments in infrastructure and cooperative models, the state is poised to become a leader in India’s dairy industry.
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