Amit Shah unveils major dairy expansion plan for Ladakh to boost farmers’ income

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has announced a major plan to expand and strengthen the dairy sector in Ladakh. The plan includes setting up a large milk processing plant in Leh, building new cattle breeding centres, and increasing the number of livestock over the next few years. The goal is to improve the income of local farmers and create a strong and sustainable dairy system in the region.

Speaking during his visit, Shah said that Ladakh has great potential for dairy development, but it needs better infrastructure, technology, and planning. He also extended his greetings on the occasion of Buddha Purnima and said that the government is committed to improving livelihoods in remote and high-altitude areas like Leh and Kargil.

One of the biggest announcements is the setting up of a modern dairy processing plant in Leh. This plant will have the capacity to process 50,000 litres of milk every day. It will be built at an estimated cost of around ₹70 crore. According to Shah, this facility will help handle larger quantities of milk, reduce wastage, and ensure better returns for farmers.

Along with this, new cattle breeding centres will be set up in both Leh and Kargil. Each centre is expected to cost around ₹4 crore. These centres will focus on introducing better and high-yielding cattle breeds that can survive in Ladakh’s harsh climate. The region faces extreme cold and low oxygen levels, so careful planning and research are needed to ensure that new livestock can adapt successfully.

Focus on growth and farmer income

A key part of the plan is to increase the number of livestock in Ladakh. Shah said that around 500 improved cattle will be introduced every year. Over the next ten years, the government aims to almost triple the livestock population in the region. This increase is expected to boost milk production and provide a steady source of income for farmers.

Currently, daily milk procurement in Ladakh is about 6,000 litres. With better infrastructure and increased livestock, this number is expected to rise to 21,000 litres per day. The expansion of dairy cooperatives will also play an important role in achieving this target.

The Ladakh Milk Federation, which is now linked with the National Dairy Development Board, has already expanded its network to 28 villages. Shah said that this network should reach at least 85 per cent of all suitable villages in the region. This will ensure that more farmers can participate in dairy activities and benefit from the system.

Another important step is creating a stable market for dairy products. Shah highlighted that agreements with large institutions like the Indian Army and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police will help ensure regular demand. These organisations have around 18,000 personnel in the region, which creates a strong and reliable customer base for milk and dairy products.

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Infrastructure and technology upgrades

In addition to the Leh plant, a new dairy processing unit is also being developed in Kargil. This plant will have a capacity of 10,000 litres per day and will cost around ₹25 crore. It is expected to strengthen the dairy supply chain in Kargil and nearby areas.

Shah also spoke about the need to upgrade existing facilities. For example, increasing the capacity of smaller plants from 5 tonnes per day to 10 tonnes per day will help meet the growing demand for dairy products. These upgrades will improve efficiency and support larger-scale production.

Technology will play a major role in this transformation. The government plans to introduce mobile milk testing units to check the quality of milk at collection points. This will help ensure that only good-quality milk enters the supply chain. In addition, a digital Automated Milk Collection System will be used to make the process more transparent and efficient.

Shah also praised the role of women in the dairy sector. He noted that many women are actively involved in dairy cooperatives and are contributing to production. At present, the local milk union produces around 500 kg of paneer and 1,000 kg of curd every day. With better facilities and support, this production is expected to increase further.

Apart from dairy, the government is also encouraging farmers to explore related activities such as honey production and organic farming. These activities can provide additional sources of income and make rural livelihoods more stable.

Overall, the plan aims to bring long-term development to Ladakh’s rural economy. By improving infrastructure, increasing livestock, and using modern technology, the government hopes to create a strong dairy sector that can support farmers even in challenging conditions.

The success of this initiative will depend on proper implementation and continued support. However, if executed well, it could significantly improve the economic condition of farmers in Leh and Kargil and make Ladakh more self-reliant in dairy production.