Lucknow, June 2: The Uttar Pradesh government has taken a significant step towards enhancing milk production, livestock-based livelihoods, and strengthening the rural economy. In the sixth meeting of the state-level steering committee for the Nand Baba Dairy Mission, chaired by Chief Secretary S.P. Goyal, a work plan worth ₹449.38 crore for the financial year 2026-27 was approved.
During the meeting, the Chief Secretary directed that the pending targets associated with the mission be completed within the next two months. He reviewed the progress of key schemes, including the Chief Minister’s Indigenous Cow Conservation Scheme, Nandini Farmer Prosperity Scheme, Mini Nandini Farmer Prosperity Scheme, and the Chief Minister’s Progressive Livestock Breeder Incentive Scheme, urging officials to ensure timely benefits reach the beneficiaries.
To promote self-reliance in the rural economy, directives were issued to prepare project plans based on biogas and solar energy. Special emphasis was placed on developing hydroponic fodder as a practical and sustainable option to ensure the availability of green fodder for livestock.
The Chief Secretary stated that regular organization of livestock fairs and training for beneficiaries are crucial for the mission’s success. He also instructed officials to enhance the effectiveness of capacity-building programs.
Under the approved work plan, provisions have been made for 7,226 beneficiaries under the Chief Minister’s Indigenous Cow Conservation Scheme with ₹57.81 crore, 1,500 beneficiaries under the Progressive Livestock Breeder Incentive Scheme with ₹1.65 crore, 765 units under the Nandini Farmer Prosperity Scheme with ₹116.95 crore, and 3,461 units under the Mini Nandini Farmer Prosperity Scheme with ₹213.64 crore.
Additionally, ₹39.56 crore has been allocated for the formation of 1,750 initial dairy cooperative societies in unserved gram panchayats, and ₹6.58 crore for training and capacity development of 11,837 stakeholders in the dairy sector.
In a significant decision aimed at promoting women’s empowerment, it was decided to give special priority to female beneficiaries associated with eight milk producer companies operating in the state under the Chief Minister’s Indigenous Cow Conservation Scheme. This is expected to enhance women’s income and strengthen economic participation in rural areas.
Regarding operational arrangements, it was decided that the implementation of the Chief Minister’s Indigenous Cow Conservation Scheme for the financial year 2026-27 will be carried out through the Dairy Development Department in all districts, while the Nandini Farmer Prosperity Scheme, Mini Nandini Farmer Prosperity Scheme, and the Progressive Livestock Breeder Incentive Scheme will continue to be operated by the Animal Husbandry Department.
The decisions made during the meeting are considered significant in increasing milk production in the state, empowering women livestock breeders, and revitalizing the rural economy.