Madhya Pradesh aims to become India’s Milk Capital within the next two years, with the state government planning a major expansion of dairy infrastructure and advanced cattle breeding facilities. Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav announced the ambitious target while addressing the State-level Govardhan Puja and livestock farmers’ felicitation ceremony at Ravindra Bhawan in Bhopal on Monday. CM Dr Yadav said the government was strengthening dairy cooperatives under the Centre’s White Revolution 2.0 initiative. The state aims to increase its daily milk collection capacity from 12 lakh kg to 52 lakh kg within two years. In a significant announcement, the Chief Minister said Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah had approved an advanced cattle embryo production centre in Bhopal, on the lines of Gujarat. The proposed facility will have an annual production capacity of one lakh embryos to promote high-yielding cattle breeds and increase milk production.

 

He also announced that a high-tech gaushala with a capacity of 10,000 cattle was being developed at Barkhedi Dob in Bhopal. In a major boost to cattle welfare, the Chief Minister transferred Rs 65.66 crore to more than 3,000 registered gaushalas through Direct Benefit Transfer. The assistance will support the maintenance and feeding of over 5.51 lakh cattle. The government has also increased financial assistance for cattle maintenance from Rs 20 to Rs 40 per animal per day. Yadav said the number of cow ambulances would be increased and modern, self-sustaining gaushalas would be developed. Under the Gopal-Krishna Gram Puraskar Yojana, 466 outstanding livestock farmers received a total of Rs 2.95 crore in prize money. The awards include Rs 1 lakh for first place, Rs 50,000 for second and Rs 25,000 for third. Gaurav Raghuvanshi of Talod village in Ujjain district emerged as the top performer, with his Gir cow recording daily milk production of 19.760 litres. The Chief Minister also felicitated outstanding dairy farmers and dedicated gaushala operators for their contributions. CM Dr Yadav said animal husbandry was not merely a matter of religious faith but also a vital pillar of rural economic development.

 

Under the Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar Kamdhenu Yojana, eligible farmers establishing units of 25 milch cows or buffaloes can receive loan assistance of up to Rs 42 lakh and subsidies of up to Rs 13.86 lakh. He added that the entire dairy value chain was being digitised to improve transparency and efficiency. The government would also organise large cattle fairs to familiarise farmers with improved breeds and modern agricultural equipment. Highlighting the significance of Govardhan Puja, the Chief Minister said the festival symbolised gratitude towards nature, cattle protection and collective responsibility.