On Thursday, Chief Minister Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami interacted with livestock farmers, milk producers, and fish farmers from across the state at Niranjanpur, Dehradun. On this occasion, the Chief Minister also flagged off refrigerated fisheries vans to promote the fisheries sector.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami stated that livestock farming has historically served as a fundamental pillar of the rural lifestyle and remains a primary source of livelihood for millions of families. He noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also emphasized that the vision of an “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-Reliant India) can only be realized when our villages, farmers, and livestock rearers become economically empowered. Consequently, the Central Government is implementing various welfare schemes—such as the “Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana,” “National Livestock Mission,” “Rashtriya Gokul Mission,” “Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund,” and “Kisan Credit Card”—to boost the livestock, dairy, and fisheries sectors.
The Chief Minister further stated that, under the “Chief Minister State Livestock Mission,” livestock units are being established across the state. Under this initiative, eligible beneficiaries are being provided with loan subsidies of up to 90 percent. Assistance is also being extended to livestock farmers through schemes such as the “Goat Valley” and “Poultry Valley” projects. Over the past four years, more than 11,500 individuals in the state have secured self-employment opportunities through cattle, goat, and sheep rearing. Furthermore, under the Chief Minister State Livestock Mission, over 4,000 youths and women in the state have been successfully linked to self-employment avenues. He added that, to strengthen animal healthcare services, Mobile Veterinary Units are currently operational across 60 development blocks. Additionally, Model Veterinary Hospitals are being constructed in every district. Under the “Vibrant Villages Programme,” livestock farmers residing in border areas are being provided with direct market access facilitated through the ITBP. Chief Minister Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami stated that the Central Government has selected Uttarakhand to become a Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD)-free state by the year 2030, a move that will significantly reduce the economic losses incurred by livestock farmers. He noted that over the past four years, the state’s milk production has recorded an annual growth rate of approximately 10 percent. Last year, payments amounting to approximately ₹380 crore were disbursed to milk producers in the state through cooperative societies. He further highlighted that ‘Badri Ghee’—produced from the state’s indigenous “Badri Cow” (often referred to as the state’s *Kamdhenu*)—has received the country’s first Geographical Indication (GI) tag. Through this GI tag, the quality and distinctiveness of Badri Ghee have gained a unique global identity.
The Chief Minister remarked that trout farming has emerged as a major avenue for self-employment within the state. To encourage trout farming, a Trout Promotion Scheme worth ₹170 crore was launched during the last financial year. One trout hatchery each is currently being established in the districts of Uttarkashi, Pithoragarh, and Bageshwar. Additionally, the government is actively working towards developing Uttarakhand into a hub for high-value fish production and exports. Thanks to these collective efforts, Uttarakhand’s fisheries sector is growing at a rate exceeding 9 percent. Last year, the Government of India also conferred upon Uttarakhand the distinction of being the “Best Fisheries State” within the category of Himalayan states.
During an interaction with the Chief Minister, Shri Harikishan Lakheda, a livestock farmer from Haridwar, shared that he had purchased 50 cows under the Breed Multiplication Farm Scheme. Benefiting from this scheme, he is now producing 300 liters of milk daily from his Sahiwal cows. Eight individuals are currently employed in this operation alongside him, generating a net monthly income of ₹1.15 lakh. Amit Singh from Doiwala mentioned that he established a Farmer Producer Organization (FPO) specifically for the procurement of cattle fodder; his organization currently has 386 members associated with it. Over a period of three years, they have achieved a turnover exceeding ₹10 crore.
Speaking on this occasion, Cabinet Minister Shri Saurabh Bahuguna stated that, under the guidance of Chief Minister Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami, numerous innovations have been introduced in the sectors of animal husbandry, dairy, and fisheries over the past four years. The Chief Minister Matsya Sampada Yojana has been implemented across the state. The ‘Goat Valley Project’ has enrolled 5,827 beneficiaries. Subsidies are currently being provided under various schemes. Today, all milk unions are operating profitably.
Also present on this occasion were Shri Rajendra Prasad Anthwal (Chairman, Gau Seva Aayog), Shri Surendra Mogha (Vice Chairman, Uttarakhand Animal Welfare Board), Shri Uttam Datta (Vice Chairman, Uttarakhand Fisheries Development Agency), Smt. Seema Chauhan, and Additional Secretary Shri Santosh Badoni.
