Una, February 10: With a monthly turnover of approximately four lakh rupees and a net profit of approximately seventy thousand rupees, all while living in the village, Jarnail Singh's story from Thakran village is not about a major industry, but rather a powerful example of the transformation of a simple farmer's life through dairy farming.
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu, the state government's farmer-friendly policies have elevated animal husbandry from a subsidiary activity to a reliable and profitable livelihood.
Jarnail Singh's journey, which began with limited resources and on a small scale, has now become an inspiring success story strengthening the rural economy.

**Journey from COVID Crisis to Opportunity
Jarnail Singh, a resident of Thakran village in Haroli tehsil, was previously supporting his family by working in a canteen in Punjab, but was forced to leave this job during the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead of giving in to difficult circumstances, he decided to carry on his father's dairy farming business and make it a strong foundation for his livelihood.

**Started with 10 animals, now has 45 cows*
Jarnail Singh's father was involved in this business from the beginning. Jarnail systematically expanded it, first increasing it from 10 to 20, and now has developed a modern dairy farm with 45 cows. Today, his farm has become an ideal dairy farming model for the entire region.

**Producing 2.5 to 3 quintals of milk per month from Holstein Friesian and Jersey breed cows
Jarnail Singh currently produces 2.5 to 3 quintals of milk per day. Depending on the quality and fat percentage of the milk, he earns an average rate of Rs. 40 per liter. He explained that the Verka plant itself collects milk from his dairy farm, eliminating any marketing problems. All family members contribute to dairy farming activities, and he has also provided regular employment to two others.
Jarnail Singh's dairy farm consists of Holstein Friesian and Jersey cows. Holstein Friesian cows produce approximately 40 liters of milk per day, while Jersey cows produce up to 20 liters.

He stated that he earns approximately four lakh rupees per month from the dairy farm. After accounting for all expenses, including labor, fodder, feed, medicines, and electricity, he earns a net profit of approximately 70,000 rupees per month.

**Milk production improved due to departmental guidance
Jarnail Singh stated that Animal Husbandry Department officials periodically inspect his farm and provide necessary guidance on feed management, medicines, fodder, and animal health. This has significantly improved both milk quality and production. Furthermore, vaccination is also conducted at the departmental level to prevent animal diseases.

**MSP Determination Increases Income, Improves Productivity*
Jarnail Singh stated that the Himachal government's decision to raise the price of buffalo milk to Rs. 61 and cow milk to Rs. 51 per liter has significantly improved the income of livestock farmers. This decision is proving to be a milestone in strengthening the rural economy.

Jarnail Singh is also using the dung from his dairy farm in his fields, which has improved land productivity. Additionally, he is selling the dung at a rate of Rs. 1,700 per trolley, generating additional income.
Jarnail Singh expressed his gratitude to Chief Minister Thakur Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu, saying that due to his visionary thinking and animal husbandry-friendly policies, dairy farming is emerging as a sustainable and respectable livelihood in rural areas. This model is inspiring youth towards self-employment.

**What Officials Say
Dr. Dinesh Parmar, Assistant Director of the Animal Husbandry Department, Una, stated that the state government has taken decisive decisions to strengthen the economy of animal farmers. Himachal is the first state in the country to set a minimum support price for milk. The state government has increased the minimum support price for cow milk from Rs. 45 to Rs. 51 per liter and the price of buffalo milk from Rs. 55 to Rs. 61 per liter.
He stated that the state government is purchasing milk from animal farmers through dairy cooperative societies, which is directly benefiting the farmers.

*Administration Committed to Bringing the Benefits of Government Schemes to Rural Areas*
Unana Deputy Commissioner Jatin Lal stated that the district administration is committed to ensuring that the benefits of state government schemes reach every villager on the ground, accelerating ambitious schemes, and ensuring widespread access to government services. The administration is making continuous efforts to achieve this.