Una, April 1: The Himachal government's decision to increase the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for milk is being hailed as a relief measure for farmers and livestock breeders. Those involved in the dairy sector state that the increased prices will lead to an improvement in their income and make it easier for them to sustain their livestock-rearing activities.
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced in the budget that the MSP for cow's milk would be raised from ?51 to ?61 per liter, and the MSP for buffalo's milk from ?61 to ?71 per liter. This hike of ?10 per liter is considered significant for small and marginal livestock farmers, as it holds the potential to boost their monthly earnings.
In Una district, this decision has met with consistently positive responses. Jarnail Singh, a farmer from Thakran village, remarked that the rise in milk prices would provide direct benefits to livestock farmers and improve their income levels. He described the move as a commendable step by the government.
According to Vijay Kumar from Chururu village in the Amb tehsil, receiving a fair price will encourage more young people to venture into the dairy sector. He noted that if producers receive a fair price for their produce, livestock rearing could emerge as a robust and sustainable source of employment in rural areas.
Notably, a large number of families in the district are engaged in dairy-related activities. Consequently, the increase in milk prices is expected to boost cash flow within villages and stimulate demand in local markets. This, in turn, could also generate benefits for other ancillary small-scale businesses.
Over recent times, the state government has undertaken concerted efforts to strengthen the cooperative framework and expand dairy infrastructure. The hike in the MSP is viewed as a logical extension of these ongoing initiatives.
Experts believe that this increase in milk prices will play a pivotal role in bolstering the rural economy. Furthermore, it is expected to give a fillip to women's economic participation, given the significant role they have traditionally played in dairy-related operations. Overall, the hike in the MSP for milk is being viewed as a significant initiative aimed at boosting the income of livestock farmers and strengthening the rural economy.