Maharashtra forms panel to uplift dairy sector
The Maharashtra government has established a state-level committee aimed at enhancing dairy production and empowering farmers across the state. The committee will craft policies to improve milk yield, strengthen procurement systems, expand infrastructure (cold chain, chilling centers), and improve market access for rural cooperatives. Among its mandates is increased focus on technology adoption, breed improvement, and incentives to support smallholder producers. The move is intended to address raw milk shortages in drought-prone districts and to better align dairy growth with state-level food security goals.
Industry Insights
This committee is an important corrective measure in a state facing seasonal mismatch between demand and supply. By formally institutionalizing policymaking for dairy, Maharashtra can reduce fragmentation in cooperative strategy, align procurement incentives, and accelerate investment in essential infrastructure (bulk milk coolers, chilling units). If it follows through with strong funding, performance metrics, and participatory governance (farmers, cooperatives), the committee could serve as a model for other states aiming to double farmer incomes via dairy. However, success depends on not just policy rubber stamps, but effective implementation, accountability, and linking incentives to farmer adoption.
Source : Dairynews7x7 Oct 4th 2025