KISHTWAR: As part of the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme, a new Milk Processing Unit dedicated to assisting Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) in milk value addition has been inaugurated at Banderna, Kishtwar. The inauguration ceremony was led by Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar, Dr. Devansh Yadav in the presence of ACR Kishtwar Idrees Lone and Chief Animal Husbandry Officer (CAHO) Dr. Ajaz Hussain.
The project, sponsored by the Animal Husbandry Department, boasts a total cost of 25 lakhs, including 20 lakhs allocated for capital expenditures such as machinery and equipment, and the remaining 5 lakhs for working capital. The state-of-the-art milk processing plant, established at Bazila SHG in Banderna, Kishtwar, has a capacity to process and pack 1200 liters of milk per hour.
This initiative aims to empower local SHGs and FPOs by providing the necessary infrastructure and support to enhance milk value addition and increase their income. Speaking at the event, the DC expressed enthusiasm for the project and said that this milk processing unit represents a significant step forward in our efforts to boost the agricultural sector in Kishtwar. By supporting SHGs and FPOs, we are not only enhancing the livelihoods of our farmers but also contributing to the overall economic development of the region, he added.
The Milk Processing Unit at Banderna stands as a testament to the commitment of the Kishtwar administration towards holistic agricultural development and the empowerment of the farming community.
