Guwahati, 31 August (HS): Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday reviewed the state’s dairy sector and directed officials to take focused measures to increase milk production, expand the cooperative network, improve processing capacity and strengthen the overall dairy value chain.

During the meeting, the Chief Minister reviewed milk production and demand across Assam, along with district-wise availability and the status of Dairy Cooperative Societies (DCS). Officials also discussed the implementation of the ₹5 subsidy scheme, registration of cooperative societies and gaps in beneficiary coverage.

Officials informed the meeting that Assam currently produces 33.53 lakh litres of milk per day, while annual milk production stands at 12,240 lakh litres. The state has 2,006 organised Dairy Cooperative Societies, of which 1,032 are registered. Existing milk processing capacity is 4.95 lakh litres per day, while an additional 4.20 lakh litres per day of capacity is under development.

The upcoming processing facilities are planned at Bajali, Kaliapani in Jorhat, Lahowal in Dibrugarh, Rangajan Gaon in Dhemaji, Jamugurihat in Sonitpur and Rani in Kamrup district.

Dr. Sarma directed officials to organise a day-long brainstorming session involving the Veterinary and Cooperative departments, milk processors and dairy farmers. The session will examine subsidy reforms, high milk-producing areas, traditional dairy pockets, a possible hub-and-spoke model for milk collection and processing, infrastructure gaps and the establishment of Dairy Cooperative Societies in every village.

The Chief Minister also ordered immediate filling of vacant posts in the Directorate of Dairy Development through direct recruitment and promotion. He further called for a comprehensive livestock survey to support evidence-based planning and targeted interventions.

Special emphasis was placed on the conservation and promotion of the Lakhimi breed. Dr. Sarma directed officials to promote the breed through women-led Dairy Cooperative Societies, stressing greater participation of women in the dairy ecosystem.

Minister for Animal Husbandry & Veterinary and Fisheries Nilima Devi, Chief Secretary Dr. Ravi Kota, Additional Chief Secretary KC Samria, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dr. KK Dwivedi and senior officials of the Directorate of Dairy Development attended the meeting.----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash