Today, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha delivered a speech at the opening ceremony of the Saran Dairy Producer Co. Ltd in Gopalganj, Bihar.
During his speech at the event, he emphasized the significant contribution of the dairy sector towards enhancing the rural economy, improving the livelihoods of small and marginal farmers, and reinforcing the essence of cooperatives.
Sinha stated that the dairy sector has played a vital role in fortifying the rural economy and improving the financial status of countless small and marginal farmers across the nation. Furthermore, he noted that the sector has enabled women through Self Help Groups to become key players in delivering social and economic benefits to the rural economy.
He remembered valuable contributions of great personalities like Dr. Rajendra Prasad, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Tribhuvandas and Verghese Kurien in strengthening the Cooperative movement and laying the foundation of Milk Revolution in India.
After Independence, Gujarat and Bihar witnessed the rise of the Cooperative revolution. Cooperatives have worked as a strong pillar for economic and social development of the poor & marginalized sections, he added.
“Today, the Dairy sector is making enormous social and economic contribution and developing vibrant ecosystem of rural milk producers through Cooperative Societies & Self-Help Groups to generate significant economic activity & employment, the Lt Governor said.
He appreciated the endeavour of the Saran Dairy Producer Co. Ltd for bringing together the unorganized rural milk producers under the structure of Dairy Cooperative Societies, Self-
Help Groups and providing them an opportunity to earn a better livelihood.
He further called upon the women Self-Help Groups to join this noble initiative in large numbers to become socially and financially empowered.
All the stakeholders, dairy units must come together to support small & marginal farmers, youth and women to create a strong and vibrant force of dairy entrepreneurs in the country, the Lt Governor observed.
“It will be a significant step to strengthen the spirit of cooperation. The Prime Minister’s mantra of ‘Sahkar Se Samriddhi’ will guide us on our path to improving the rural economy and protecting the interest of the farmers,” he said.
The Lt Governor called upon the dairy farmers & milk production units to focus on value-addition to meet the increasing market demand and to make the sector more lucrative.
Total milk production had reached 221 million tonnes in 2022 from 138 million tonnes in 2013 which has also increased the income of the farmers and other stakeholders associated with the sector, he noted.
The growth rate of milk production in India is more than 6% per year which is more than the milk production rate of other countries. There has also been an increase of 6% in the number of total milch animals which is an encouraging sign for the dairy sector, added the Lt Governor.
Kumar Rakesh, Director Saran Dairy Producer Co. Ltd; milk producers, farmers and prominent citizens from all walks of life were present on the occasion.
