Patiala, April 1: The Punjab State Cooperative Milk Producers’ Federation Limited (Verka) on Wednesday implemented a hike in milk procurement rates, providing a significant financial boost to dairy farmers in Patiala and Fatehgarh Sahib. The procurement rate for both buffalo and cow milk has been increased by Rs 20 per kg fat, a decision aimed at offsetting rising input costs for producers.
Dr. Amit Garg, General Manager of the Verka Milk Plant in Patiala, affirmed that the revised rates took effect immediately. He stated that the primary objective of the price adjustment is to ensure the welfare of farmers associated with the cooperative. While the move offers higher returns to producers, the management clarified that the retail prices of milk and dairy products for general consumers will remain unchanged.
“By offering higher procurement rates, the initiative is expected to encourage the youth of Punjab to take up dairy farming,” Dr. Garg maintained. He added that the cooperative is dedicated to strengthening the state’s dairy sector through various support mechanisms. Beyond the price hike, Verka continues to provide technical assistance, including subsidized veterinary services, high-quality cattle feed, and specialized machinery such as milking machines and chaff cutters.
The General Manager also urged milk producers across the region to utilize the facilities offered by the cooperative network. He declared that Verka remains focused on maintaining a balance between supporting the livelihoods of rural dairy farmers and ensuring that high-quality dairy products are available to the public at reasonable rates.
