Jharkhand News: Jharkhand to Expand Milk Collection Centers, Minister Shilpi Neha Tirkey Leads the Way

Ranchi, December 21, 2024: The Jharkhand government is taking significant steps to boost dairy farming in the state by expanding the number of milk collection centers. Minister of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Cooperation, Shilpi Neha Tirkey, recently inspected the Medha Dairy Plant in Ranchi’s Hotwar area, emphasizing the importance of this initiative in ensuring fair prices for dairy farmers and reducing the influence of middlemen.

State’s Plan to Expand Milk Collection Centers

The government aims to increase the number of milk collection centers across Jharkhand to streamline dairy operations and enhance the incomes of farmers. Speaking during her visit, Shilpi Neha Tirkey highlighted that the state initially started with a capacity of 10,000 liters of milk collection daily, which has now grown to 3 lakh liters per day. However, with a market demand of 10 lakh liters daily, there is still a significant gap to address.

The expansion initiative focuses on empowering rural dairy farmers by offering them direct access to collection centers, eliminating the role of intermediaries who often exploit them. “This move will ensure that farmers receive fair compensation for their produce,” the minister stated.

Ensuring Quality and Expanding Market Reach

Minister Shilpi Neha Tirkey underscored the superior quality of Medha Dairy products and their potential to reach not only local but also interstate markets. She stressed the need for improved branding and distribution strategies to position Jharkhand’s dairy products as a top choice for consumers.

Success Stories of Dairy Farmers

During the inspection, Shilpi Neha Tirkey shared an inspiring story of a woman dairy farmer from Mandar. Since 2016, she has been engaged in dairy farming and now earns an impressive monthly income of ₹2 lakh. Such examples serve as a testament to the potential of the dairy sector to transform rural livelihoods.

Addressing Challenges in Rural Areas

One of the critical challenges identified during the inspection was the active presence of middlemen in rural areas, which limits farmers’ earnings. By increasing the number of milk collection centers, the government aims to minimize the influence of these intermediaries and create a transparent system that benefits farmers directly.

Focus on Cattle Feed Production

Shilpi Neha Tirkey also reviewed the production of cattle feed and emphasized the importance of scaling up its availability to support dairy farmers. “Enhanced cattle feed production is essential to ensure that dairy farmers can maintain healthy livestock and sustain high milk yields,” Shilpi Neha Tirkey remarked.

A Step Towards Rural Empowerment

The expansion of milk collection centers is part of a broader strategy to drive rural development and economic growth in Jharkhand. This initiative aligns with the government’s vision to strengthen the agricultural sector and create sustainable income opportunities for rural households.

By addressing the existing gaps in milk collection and distribution, the state government is paving the way for a robust dairy ecosystem. The focus remains on enhancing the quality, accessibility and market reach of dairy products while empowering farmers with the tools and infrastructure needed for success.

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