New Delhi: Seeking to boost milk production with a vision to strengthen the rural economy, the Uttar Pradesh government in its budget for the financial year 2022-23, has allocated adequate funds for the timely construction of the green field dairy plants in Meerut and Varanasi.

Giving impetus to the state’s milk processing capacity to double the current levels, Rs 79.82 crores has been earmarked to complete the under construction GreenField Dairy Plants in Meerut and Varanasi, which will not only promote milk production in those areas but also in the neighbouring districts.

As a result, milk will be procured at an increased price, as well as there will be a significant improvement in its supply. The process of construction of the Greenfield Dairy Plant in Meerut was initiated in the financial year 2015-16, however, with allocation of a considerable amount in the state’s budget this time, the construction is expected to be completed rapidly.

In addition, to promote cow rearing and milk cooperatives in the state, a budgetary provision of Rs 8 crore has been made for the construction of a new dairy plant of 3000 litres per day capacity in district Mathura.

For reviving and strengthening existing milk unions, the government has also dedicated Rs 60 crore in its budget for the year 2022-23.

It is worth mentioning that the state has witnessed a significant increase in dairy units and milk production under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in the last five years. Uttar Pradesh is the largest milk producing state in the country and it accounts for more than 17 percent of the milk production in India.

Elaborate arrangements have been made for the protection and maintenance of destitute and abandoned bovine. The UP government is also constructing cow protection centres and a ‘Govansh Vanya Vihar’ to enhance milk production in the state.