This progressive step distinguishes Himachal Pradesh as the first state in India to offer such a substantial milk freight subsidy. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu reiterated the government’s unwavering dedication to uplifting the rural economy. He emphasized the state’s strategy of ensuring high minimum support prices (MSP) not only for milk but also for a range of other crucial agricultural products, signaling a comprehensive approach to agricultural development.

Under the current policy, the government procures cow milk at Rs. 51 per litre and buffalo milk at Rs. 61 per litre, providing a stable and attractive income for dairy producers. Beyond milk, the state also guarantees MSPs for key crops such as wheat, maize, barley, and turmeric. These robust support prices are designed to incentivize farmers, enhance their overall incomes, and significantly improve their living standards, addressing fundamental challenges in rural prosperity.

The doubling of the milk freight subsidy directly tackles one of the significant cost burdens faced by dairy farmers – the transportation of milk from often remote collection points to processing centers. By alleviating this financial strain, the subsidy encourages increased milk production and strengthens the operational viability of dairy cooperatives. This measure is a testament to the government’s understanding of the practical challenges faced by its agribusiness sector.