In the dairy cooperative sector, it is noted that approximately 70-80 percent of the consumer rupee is returned to milk-producing farmers.
Milk production in Punjab has witnessed a notable increase of 4.8 percent over the past four years, rising from 132.72 lakh tonnes in 2019-20 to 139.11 lakh tonnes in 2023-24. This update was shared by Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, Prof. S P Singh Baghel, in response to a question raised by Ludhiana MP Sanjeev Arora in the ongoing Rajya Sabha session.
In his response, the Minister also highlighted the efforts being made by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying to enhance the genetic quality of indigenous bovine breeds in Punjab. These initiatives include a progeny testing program aimed at producing High Genetic Merit bulls of indigenous breeds such as Sahiwal cattle and Murrah buffalo, as well as a pedigree selection program for improving the genetic traits of Nili Ravi buffaloes from the state.
Additionally, the department has been advancing bovine IVF technology for faster propagation of elite animals, focusing on breeds like Sahiwal cattle and Murrah and Nili Ravi buffaloes. The government has allocated funds to Punjab for establishing two IVF laboratories in Ludhiana and Patiala to support this initiative.
As part of its accelerated breed improvement program, Punjab is also expanding artificial insemination (AI) coverage using sex-sorted semen, including semen from indigenous breeds like Sahiwal cattle and Murrah buffalo. Moreover, a common genomic chip has been developed to aid in the selection and propagation of elite animals from these native breeds.
While the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying does not regulate milk procurement and sale prices, these are determined by cooperative and private dairies based on production costs and market dynamics, the Minister explained. In the dairy cooperative sector, it is noted that approximately 70-80 percent of the consumer rupee is returned to milk-producing farmers.
Furthermore, the Minister emphasized that the Government of India is implementing several schemes designed to boost milk productivity, strengthen dairy infrastructure, enhance the availability of feed and fodder, and improve animal health services. These initiatives aim to reduce the cost of milk production while increasing the income of dairy farmers.
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