Reaffirming its commitment to strengthening the dairy sector and improving the livelihoods of dairy farmers, the Government of Goa today announced a series of farmer-centric initiatives, including the launch of the revised Kamdhenu Scheme and enhanced milk procurement incentives. The announcements were made during a programme organised by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services at Rajiv Gandhi Kala Mandir, Ponda.
Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant also distributed demand drafts to 10 dairy cooperative societies affiliated with the Goa Milk Union, recognising their contribution towards strengthening the State’s dairy ecosystem. The initiatives are aimed at enhancing farmers’ incomes, promoting local milk production and advancing the vision of a Swayampurna Goa.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant said that dairy farmers, along with farmers, fishermen and horticulturists, are key stakeholders in building a Swayampurna Goa. He said the government is committed to increasing local production, encouraging local producers and reducing dependence on other States under the vision of “Make in Goa, Make for Goa.”
Announcing the revised Kamdhenu Scheme, he said that while the earlier scheme provided a 90 per cent subsidy for up to 10 cows, it has now been extended to 20 cows, with the additional 10 cows eligible for a 75 per cent subsidy.
Dr. Sawant further announced that the milk procurement incentive has been enhanced to ₹6 per litre for cow milk and ₹10 per litre for buffalo milk, making dairy farming more remunerative and sustainable. Encouraging the youth to explore opportunities in dairy farming, agriculture and food processing, he assured continued Government support through the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services. He also said that the Government is strengthening veterinary healthcare services across the State and aims to commence the Veterinary College and Fisheries College at Curti from the current academic year. Stressing the importance of quality, he informed that the Food and Drugs Administration has been directed to ensure regular quality testing of milk and milk products entering the State.
The Chief Minister added that financially strong dairy cooperatives are essential for the economic empowerment of dairy farmers and will play a crucial role in achieving the vision of Swayampurna Goa.
During the programme, demand drafts were distributed to 10 dairy cooperative societies affiliated with the Goa Milk Union, namely Shri Sateri Cooperative Milk Society, Hasapur; Pirna Cooperative Milk Society; Seravali Cooperative Milk Society; Shri Mallikarjun Cooperative Milk Society, Netravali; Shri Kaleshwar Cooperative Milk Society, Kholpe; Mhadei Cooperative Milk Society, Sonal; Shri Barabhoomi Cooperative Milk Society, Sacorda; Shri Yedakain Devi Cooperative Milk Society, Khotigao; Shri Siddhivinayak Cooperative Milk Society, Maina-Quepem; and Tribhuvan Cooperative Milk Society, Marcel. The programme reflected the government’s continued efforts to strengthen the dairy sector and make milk production a sustainable source of livelihood for farmers across Goa.
Minister for Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services Nilkanth Halarnkar, Minister for Co-operation Subhash Shirodkar, Chairman of Goa Dairy (Goa Milk Union), Parag Nagarsenkar, Director of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services Dr. Nitin Naik, Registrar Ashutosh Apte, presidents and secretaries of dairy cooperative societies, dairy farmers, departmental officials and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.
