Punjab’s milk production rises by 4.8 % in four years: MP Sanjeev Arora informs Parliament
Babushahi Bureau
Ludhiana (Punjab), March 22, 2025: The milk production from cattle and buffaloes in the State of Punjab has increased from 132.72 lakh tonnes in 2019-20 to 139.11 lakh tonnes in 2023-24 that is by 4.8%.
This has been stated by the Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Prof S P Singh Baghel in an answer to a question on dairy productivity in Punjab asked by MP (Rajya Sabha) from Ludhiana Sanjeev Arora in the ongoing session of Rajya Sabha.
Giving this information here today, MP Arora said the Minister further mentioned in his answer that the Department of Animal Husbandry and dairying is taking steps for genetic upgradation of indigenous bovine breeds of Punjab.
These steps include progeny testing programme for production of High Genetic Merit bulls of indigenous breeds including Sahiwal breed and Murrah breed of buffalo from Punjab and pedigree selection programme for production of high genetic merit bulls of indigenous breeds including Nili Ravi breed of buffalo from Punjab.
It also includes implementation of bovine IVF technology for faster propagation of elite animals of indigenous breeds including Sahiwal breed of cattle and Murrah and Nili Ravi breeds of buffalo. Funds have been released to Punjab for establishment of 2 IVF labs located at Ludhiana and Patiala.
Besides, accelerated breed improvement programme is implemented in the State to extend AI coverage with sex-sorted semen including sex-sorted semen of indigenous breeds of Punjab (Sahiwal breed of cattle and Murrah breed of buffalo).
Government has developed common genomic chip for selection and propagation of elite animals of indigenous breeds including indigenous cattle breeds of PunjabFunds have been released to the State for establishment of Gokul Gram at Birdosanjh Nabha for development and conservation of Sahiwal breed of cattle.
The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying does not regulate the procurement and sale prices of milk in the country. Prices are decided by the cooperative and private dairies based on their cost of production and market forces.
In the Dairy Cooperative sector, about 70-80% of the consumer rupee is paid back to milk producer farmers.
The Minister further mentioned in his answer that the Government of India is actively implementing various schemes focused on enhancing milk productivity of bovines, strengthening dairy infrastructure, increasing the availability of feed and fodder, and improving animal health services.
These initiatives contribute to reducing the cost of milk production while simultaneously boosting income from dairy farming.