Punjab bets big on goat cheese to boost farmers’ income

Punjab’s Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU) is entering the premium cheese space by launching goat cheese (“chèvre”) production, a first for the state.  The College of Dairy & Food Science Technology is developing a range of cheeses — from mozzarella and feta to ricotta and chèvre — with scientific precision, turning local milk into value-added gourmet products.

GADVASU has signed a MoU with Green Pockets Pvt. Ltd. to scale up the chèvre initiative: the university will provide technical expertise, training, and incubation support, while Green Pockets will package and market the cheese.  According to GADVASU’s leadership, goat cheese commands a three-times higher price globally compared to traditional dairy cheese — offering a rich opportunity for farmers and goat rearers.

Experts at the university say this project is not only financially strategic but also socially impactful: goat cheese is being touted as a way to uplift goat-rearing communities, bringing them into a premium, export-ready value chain.  Nutritionally, chèvre is also appealing — lighter on the stomach and rich in protein, calcium, and probiotics, making it a “health-smart” alternative.

Local cafés and restaurants have already begun tasting GADVASU’s cheese range; the products are available at the university’s own outlets, signaling early traction.

If successful, this move could reposition Punjab’s dairy sector, shifting farmers from low-margin milk sales to high-value, goat-milk cheese production — a bold bet on value-addition and rural entrepreneurship.

Source : Dairynews7x7 Nov 23rd 2025.  The Tribune