Assam's Dairy Sector Faces Production Challenges Amid Growing Demand
Review Meeting Highlights Dairy Production Issues
Assam CM during the review meet with Chief Secretary (Photo: @CMOfficeAssam/X)
Guwahati, Sept 1: Assam is currently producing 33.53 lakh litres of milk daily, which falls short of the annual demand of 1.22 crore litres, indicating a significant disparity between production and consumption in the state.
This information was revealed during a review meeting focused on the dairy industry, led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in Guwahati on Monday.
The discussions encompassed various aspects such as milk production levels, availability across districts, the status of dairy cooperative societies, processing capacities, and the execution of the Rs 5 subsidy initiative for dairy farmers.
Assam boasts 2,006 organized dairy cooperative societies (DCS), with 1,032 of them officially registered. Officials highlighted the discrepancies between the total number of organized societies and those registered, as well as the coverage of beneficiaries under the subsidy program.
The state's current milk processing capacity stands at 4.95 lakh litres per day, with an additional 4.20 lakh litres per day expected to be added through forthcoming projects. New processing facilities are set to be established in Bajali, Kaliapani in Jorhat, Lahowal in Dibrugarh, Rangajan Gaon in Dhemaji, Jamugurihat in Sonitpur, and Rani in Kamrup district.
The Chief Minister instructed the Directorate of Dairy Development to implement strategies aimed at boosting milk production, expanding the cooperative network, and enhancing processing capabilities.
The review also assessed the current and underutilized milk processing units. Sarma emphasized the importance of increasing women's involvement in dairy cooperatives and highlighted the need to preserve the Lakhimi breed.
A five-year strategic plan for the dairy sector was also discussed, focusing on milk procurement, processing, and reinforcing the cooperative framework.
Furthermore, the Chief Minister directed the department to convene a brainstorming session that includes the Veterinary Department, Cooperative Department, milk processors, and dairy farmers to devise a coordinated approach for the sector.