In FY 25 Puducherry govt to procure 2.34 crore litres of milk from outside

The Puducherry government has set a target to procure 2.34 crore litres of milk from Co-operative Milk Producer Societies in this fiscal year.

In the 2024 Budget, a 5% incentive is proposed based on the value of the procured milk.

The Cooperation Department, which has been allocated ₹59.49 crore, aims to increase milk production by offering a 75% cattle-feed subsidy through the Pondicherry Co-operative Milk Producer’s Union (PCMPU) to the members of the Primary Milk Producers’ Co-operative Societies throughout the year, helping to minimize milk production costs.

Subsidy to purchase cow

To achieve self-sufficiency in milk production, the government plans to distribute Single Milch Cows at a 50% subsidy to 1,000 farmers.

With the ₹76.56 crore allocated to the Animal Husbandry and Animal Welfare Department, there is also a proposal to produce 1,000 In-Vitro Fertilised embryos, which will yield high genetic potential female calves with 90% accuracy. Puducherry is the only state in India implementing this scheme free of cost with a 100% subsidy, noted Chief Minister N. Rangasamy.

Key Village Units will be upgraded to Minor Veterinary Dispensaries as part of the Budget's efforts to provide quality veterinary services to livestock farmers and improve infrastructure.

Rashtriya Gokul Mission

To improve breeding efficiency and increase the production of female calves, the government will continue using Sex Sorted Semen under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission – Accelerated Breed Improvement Programme.

For the first time, it is proposed to distribute Pellet Making Machines at a 100% subsidy to 400 farmers and 10,000 Asil chicks to eligible farmers at a 50% subsidy.

The Pondicherry Co-operative Sugar Mill in Lingareddipalayam will be reopened with private assistance for ethanol and sugar production.

There is also a proposal to convert loans extended to some Co-operative Societies in the last financial year into grants, provided the societies can generate at least 10% of the amount to be converted, the Chief Minister said.

Under the Poultry Development Programme, chicks with cages and feed at a 50% subsidy will be given to encourage backyard poultry production, with each unit costing around ₹7,500. Additionally, due to good response, it is proposed to distribute 17,000 turkey poults at a 50% subsidy again this year.

Compensation for the death of uninsured cows is raised from ₹6,000 to ₹25,000 starting this fiscal year.