Chandigarh, Dec. 3, 2025: The Bhagwant Mann government has approved a ₹59 lakh support package for livestock farmers in Hoshiarpur and Taragarh, a move aimed at strengthening veterinary services and boosting incomes in key dairy belts of Punjab. Of the total amount, ₹17 lakh will go to Rajpura and ₹42 lakh to Taragarh for hospital upgrades and essential infrastructure.
Officials said the state has already provided ₹3 crore to 204 dairy farmers this year for setting up small- and medium-sized units. “We want farmers to feel secure and supported, and these measures reflect that,” an Animal Husbandry Department official said. He added that 9,150 youths have been trained for dairy entrepreneurship.
During a review, Food and Civil Supplies Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak said preparations for the wheat procurement season are complete. “We are committed to buying every grain brought to the mandis. No lapse will be allowed,” he said. He projected contributions of 3.14 lakh metric tonnes from Hoshiarpur, 5.25 lakh from Jalandhar, 3.61 lakh from Kapurthala and 2.64 lakh from Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar.
A major ₹135 crore project launched in the Majha region is set to expand production of sterilized flavored milk and fermented dairy products. Authorities said this effort will “reshape Punjab’s dairy capacity” and support a steady supply of value‑added milk items.
Principal Secretary Rahul Bhandari said nearly 30,000 animals are insured under current schemes and ₹7 crore has been paid out in FY 2024–25. “Immediate assistance helps farmers survive shocks and allows them to continue their work,” he said. Officials have also been asked to intensify outreach programs for young dairy aspirants.
The state is modernizing veterinary care through Mobile Veterinary Units, funded entirely by the Centre, to offer on‑site diagnosis and treatment. These vans can be summoned via a toll‑free number. Officials said the expanded services will improve early detection of diseases.
Verka has begun selling products online, supported by new branding, a mascot and a celebrity ambassador. New dairy items such as rabri and kaju badam milk are being introduced to broaden consumer appeal.
Chief Minister Mann said Punjab has attracted more than ₹50,000 crore in investments over the last year and a half, adding that an atmosphere of harmony is driving economic growth. A ₹138 crore cattle feed plant by De Heus in Rajpura, he said, “shows investor confidence in Punjab.”
Farmers across Hoshiarpur welcomed the aid package. “This scheme will strengthen our livestock care and help our income,” a dairy farmer said. Experts added that public diagnostic labs at district level will ease costs for small livestock owners who cannot afford private testing.
Officials said Punjab’s dairy cooperative is expanding into new markets, including Delhi and NCR, as the state works to position itself as a national dairy leader.
