May 6, 2025

Madhya Pradesh, India, looks to importing superior cattle breeds to drive milk production

With a view to doubling milk production in Madhya Pradesh, India, the state is devising a comprehensive plan to import superior breeds of cattle from other regions, ensuring their availability to local farmers.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav urged officials to accelerate efforts in boosting milk output, reaffirming his commitment to elevating the state's contribution to the nation's total milk production from the current 9% to 20%.

Following a review meeting in Bhopal on May 5, he wrote on X: "The decision to more than double milk production will serve as the foundation for the prosperity of cattle herders."

During the review, Dr. Yadav emphasised that the state must fully utilise National Dairy Development Board's (NDDB) expertise in the dairy sector. He underscored the necessity of streamlining and refining the process of acquiring superior breeds of cows and buffaloes from other states, ensuring they are readily accessible to farmers.

Earlier in April this year, the NDDB and the Madhya Pradesh State Cooperative Milk Union entered a pact in presence of Union Home Minster Amit Shah, who had advised the state government to expand the outreach of milk producers to more Primary Cooperative Societies (PACs), ensuring coverage across at least 50% of the state's geography.

Shah also pointed out the small number of PACs in the state and urged an increase from the existing 7,000 to a level where at least half of Madhya Pradesh is covered.

Dr. Yadav further emphasised that all milk produced within the state should undergo value addition before being exported beyond its borders. He advocated for extending consultancy services not only to cooperative unions but also to private dairy enterprises. He mandated that dairy products should only be transported outside the state after undergoing value-added processing.

The Chief Minister also highlighted the ongoing development of large cow shelters across Madhya Pradesh, stating that their efficient management would contribute significantly to increased milk production.

- IANS