Punjab’s dairy sector is entering a new phase of growth, guided by the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. A new initiative has been introduced to support livestock and dairy farmers in the villages of Hoshiarpur and Taragarh. Under this plan, financial assistance totalling ₹59 lakh will be extended to farmers in these regions. The scheme includes ₹17 lakh for Rajpura and ₹42 lakh for Taragarh, which will be used to modernize veterinary services and strengthen the financial stability of rural families involved in dairy farming.
The state government has also made significant progress in assisting dairy farmers throughout Punjab. This year alone, ₹3 crore has been distributed to 204 dairy farmers to help them set up dairy units with two to twenty animals. Along with this, over nine thousand unemployed youths have been trained in dairy farming, enabling them to start their own ventures. Awareness campaigns and seminars have been organised across various districts, educating livestock owners about insurance benefits, claim procedures and good animal health practices.
During a recent review session, Food and Civil Supplies Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak shared that preparations are complete for the upcoming wheat procurement season. It is estimated that Hoshiarpur will contribute over 3.14 lakh metric tonnes of wheat, while Jalandhar, Kapurthala and Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar will contribute sizeable quantities as well. He assured that the government remains committed to buying every grain brought by farmers and warned officials against any negligence.
Major changes are also unfolding in Punjab’s milk processing capacity. A project worth ₹135 crore has been launched in the Majha region to significantly boost the production of sterilised flavoured milk and fermented products such as lassi and dahi. This expansion will considerably strengthen Punjab’s position in the dairy market and improve the supply of high-quality products. Upgraded equipment at milk plants will enable faster processing to meet growing demand.
According to Principal Secretary Rahul Bhandari, nearly thirty thousand animals have been insured this financial year and farmers have received a total of ₹7 crore in assistance for animal losses and medical issues. The government has instructed officials to ensure that young people are informed about available schemes and encouraged to take up dairy farming as a stable career option.
Efforts to modernise veterinary services are also progressing rapidly. The Central Government’s program has enabled full funding for Mobile Veterinary Units, which now deliver diagnosis, vaccinations, treatment and minor surgeries directly to farmers through a toll-free service. Strengthening veterinary infrastructure is helping the state manage livestock diseases more efficiently and reduce losses for farmers.
Meanwhile, Verka products are expanding into online marketplaces, giving consumers across the globe easier access to Punjab’s well-known milk, curd and lassi. Branding initiatives, including a new mascot named Veera and a celebrity ambassador, are expected to boost Verka’s national and international visibility. The cooperative is also preparing to introduce new products such as rabri and kaju badam milk, reflecting the organisation’s commitment to innovation while preserving traditional tastes.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann recently highlighted that Punjab has attracted more than ₹50,000 crore in investments over the past eighteen months. He emphasized that the state’s peaceful environment and supportive policies are encouraging global companies to invest. A prime example is the Netherlands-based De Heus company establishing a ₹138 crore cattle feed plant in Rajpura, which will supply superior-quality feed and help farmers increase their earnings.
Local dairy farmers have expressed strong appreciation for these measures. A farmer from Hoshiarpur shared that improved veterinary facilities will greatly support livestock owners and enhance their economic stability. Experts have praised the plan to build modern diagnostic laboratories at the district level, especially since many farmers cannot afford private testing. These labs will make timely disease detection and treatment far more accessible.
Through these comprehensive efforts, Punjab is not only restoring its long-standing dairy legacy but elevating it to meet global standards. With fair pricing, new markets in regions such as Delhi and NCR, and continuous support for farmers, the state’s dairy cooperative network is expanding rapidly. These initiatives are helping to increase farmers’ incomes while positioning Punjab as one of the country’s leading dairy producers.