Chief minister Nitish Kumar has said the government is committed to provide all help to Sudha Dairy to develop its infrastructure in the state to meet the growing demand for milk and milk products. The dairy, which is processing about 11 lakh litres milk per day, must increase it fourfold to cater to the needs of people across the state, he said .
"Milk production in Bihar has doubled in six years and we want it to go up four times in the next decade. We have to touch new heights and my dream is that at least one delicacy of Bihar reaches the plate of every Indian," the CM said.
Kumar, who was speaking as the chief guest at a 'Milk Day' function held at Sudha Dairy at Phulwarisharif, said the dairy's products should be promoted as sweet delicacy of Bihar even outside the state.
"Sudha Dairy has the potential to surpass Amul," he said .
Lauding the role of Sudha Dairy, Nitish said it is setting up a new plant at Biharsharif at a cost of Rs 120 crore, which would have the capacity to produce about four lakh litres of milk per day. Besides, a plant to produce 30 tonnes of milk powder per day is also being set up there.
According to the CM, the government has recently launched various schemes to benefit farmers, milk producers and all those interested in farming, milk producing and cattle rearing. The government is currently giving 50% subsidy to farmers for purchasing and rearing cattle, he stated.
The CM also inaugurated various new projects on the Sudha Dairy campus, which included enhancement of the cattle feed plant's capacity from one lakh tonnes to 1.5 lakh tonnes per day. He also inaugurated newly-installed 'bulk milk cooler' plants in Patna, Vaishali, Nalanda, Sheikhpura, Chhapra and Biharsharif.
Deputy CM Sushil Kumar Modi said the state government is liberal in giving loans and subsidy to farmers and milk producers. The government is putting pressure on banks to give loans to milk producers without hassles, so that the goal of milk production could be achieved. Milk producers and farmers should shun middlemen who are out to exploit the poor and unwary people, he said.
Animal husbandry development minister Giriraj Singh said Bihar is the only state which is giving about 50% subsidy to farmers on purchasing cattle. Food and consumer affairs minister Shyam Rajak lauded the role of Sudha Dairy and said the government is committed to provide all assistance to farmers and milk producers.
COMFED chairman Arpita Kaur, Sudha Dairy MD Sudhir Singh, PNB GM and many other officials were present at the function which was attended by 5000 milk producers. As many as 2600 milk producers were given loans and subsidy on the occasion, while 17 milk producers, including women, were honoured for their outstanding contribution in milk production.
