Madhya Pradesh Cooperative Dairy Programme (MPCDP) is an initiative launched by the Madhya Pradesh state government aimed at promoting milk production and the dairy industry in the state. The programme was started in 1964 and since then there has been a significant increase in the production and consumption of milk and dairy products in the state.
Main Objectives of the Programme
- To increase milk production in the state.
- To increase the income of dairy farmers.
- To create employment opportunities in rural areas.
- To promote the consumption of milk and dairy products.
- To familiarise dairy farmers with modern techniques and practices.
- To improve the quality of dairy products.
Key Components of the Programme
- Formation of Milk Producers’ Cooperative Societies: Under the MPCDP, thousands of milk producers’ cooperative societies have been formed across the state. These societies collect milk from the farmers and send it to the dairy plants.
- Establishment of Dairy Plants: Under the MPCDP, several dairy plants have been established in the state. In these plants, milk is processed and converted into various dairy products.
- Livestock Development: MPCDP encourages farmers to purchase better-breed cattle and adopt scientific livestock management practices.
- Fodder Development: MPCDP encourages farmers to cultivate fodder crops and provide nutritious fodder for their cattle.
- Animal Health Services: MPCDP provides farmers access to animal health services to protect their livestock from diseases.
- Marketing and Sales: MPCDP provides a strong infrastructure for the marketing and sales of milk and dairy products.
Programme Achievements
- Under MPCDP, Madhya Pradesh has become the second-largest milk-producing state in India.
- Milk production in the state has increased manifold in the last few decades.
- The income of dairy farmers has witnessed a significant increase.
- Employment opportunities have increased in rural areas.
- Consumption of milk and dairy products has increased.
- Dairy farmers have become aware of modern techniques and practices.
- The quality of dairy products has improved.
Challenges
- Creating Awareness Among Farmers: Many farmers are still unaware of modern dairy practices.
- Improving the Quality of Livestock: The average productivity of cattle in the state still needs to be higher than the national average.
- Fodder Shortage: There is a huge shortage of fodder in the state.
- Animal Diseases: Animal diseases are a major challenge for dairy farmers.
- Marketing and Sales: Marketing and sales of milk and dairy products must be improved.
Available Infrastructure
- 6 Cooperative Milk Unions
- 7145 Working Milk Cooperative Societies
- 603 Bulk Milk Coolers – 9.88 lakh liters
- 59 Milk Cold Centres – 6.87 lakh liters
- 6 Main Dairy Plants – 13.70 lakh liters
- 10 Small Dairy Plants – 2.53 lakh liters
- 2 Milk Powder Plants – 20 metric tons
- 5 Animal Feed Plants – 550 metric tons
Under MPCDP, a cooperative dairy development program is being run in all the districts of the state. The number of members of the formed committees is 3,38,156, out of which 77,457 are from the general category, 31,656 from the Scheduled Caste category, 21,909 from the Scheduled Tribe category and 2,07,134 from Other Backward Classes.
Future Plans
- Educating farmers about modern dairy practices through Krishi Vigyan Kendras and NGOs.
- Providing subsidies to farmers for the purchase of good-breed cattle.
- Promoting pasture development programmes and teaching fodder storage techniques to farmers.
- Increasing the number of veterinarians and strengthening animal vaccination programmes.
- Strengthening cooperatives and enabling them to add value to milk products.
- Expanding the network of cool milk vehicles to improve the supply of milk from rural areas to dairies.
The Madhya Pradesh Cooperative Dairy Programme is a success story that has not only raised the economy of the state but also the living standards of farmers. By further strengthening this programme, Madhya Pradesh can be made the leading dairy state of the country.
Conclusion
The Madhya Pradesh Cooperative Dairy Programme has been a significant success in the development of the dairy industry in the state. The program has significantly increased milk production, increased the income of dairy farmers and strengthened the rural economy. However, certain challenges need to be addressed for the successful operation of the program. The state government should focus on increasing farmers’ awareness, improving the quality of livestock, increasing the availability of fodder, controlling animal diseases and strengthening the marketing and sales network. By addressing these challenges, the Madhya Pradesh Cooperative Dairy Program can achieve even more success in the coming years.
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