Lucknow: Marking 50 years of the Uttar Pradesh Dairy Development Department, a grand two-day “Dugdh Swarn Mahotsav 2026” was inaugurated at Indira Gandhi Pratishthan in Gomti Nagar. The event was formally opened by state’s Minister for Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Political Pension, Dharampal Singh, who attended as the chief guest.
A major highlight of the inaugural session was the signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) worth approximately ₹5,000 crore with prospective investors through a single-window system, aimed at boosting capital investment in the dairy sector.
Addressing the gathering, Singh described the dairy sector as the backbone of Uttar Pradesh’s rural economy, emphasizing its critical role in employment generation and contribution to the Gross Value Added (GVA), which currently stands at ₹1.72 lakh crore. He noted that the department has so far signed 796 MoUs worth over ₹25,000 crore, expected to generate more than 60,000 jobs.
Under the Ground Breaking Ceremony 5.0 initiative, 72 dairy projects worth ₹2,000 crore have already been launched, creating around 4,000 jobs. Additionally, new MoUs exceeding ₹3,000 crore were signed with major private players, including Ananda Dairy, Gyan Dairy, and Param Dairy, which are projected to generate over 13,000 employment opportunities.
The minister highlighted that under the Nand Baba Milk Mission, more than 10,000 beneficiaries have received subsidies totaling ₹84 crore via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). Over 4,000 primary dairy cooperative societies have been formed, connecting nearly 1.5 lakh milk producers.
Uttar Pradesh continues to be the largest milk-producing state in India. Milk production has significantly increased from 277.70 lakh metric tonnes in 2016–17 to 1,836.85 lakh metric tonnes in 2025–26, while per capita milk availability has risen from 352 grams to 450 grams per day.
The minister also toured exhibition stalls set up by leading dairy brands such as Amul, Paras Dairy, Namaste India, and Madhusudan Dairy. Several companies showcased new products, while milk producer organizations like Balini and Baba Gorakhnath Milk Producer Company also participated.
The event witnessed participation from nearly 10,000 farmers, dairy producers, and investors. Through live webcasting and YouTube streaming, lakhs of stakeholders from across India and abroad were connected, facilitating discussions on modern dairy technologies, indigenous cattle breeding, and strengthening the rural economy.
Additional Chief Secretary Mukesh Kumar Meshram welcomed the dignitaries and elaborated on the benefits of various departmental schemes, especially the role of indigenous cattle rearing in rural development. Economic Advisor to the Chief Minister, K. V. Raju, stressed the importance of boosting dairy exports and ensuring nutritional security.
Dairy Commissioner Dhanalakshmi K highlighted that policies like the Uttar Pradesh Dairy Development and Milk Product Promotion Policy 2022 are ensuring fair pricing, stable income, and market access for farmers, strengthening the “farm-to-consumer” supply chain.
Outstanding dairy farmers and entrepreneurs were felicitated during the event, and financial assistance under the Nand Baba Awards was transferred to 139 beneficiaries via DBT. A compendium showcasing success stories of beneficiaries and investors under various schemes was also released.
The festival also featured expert sessions and presentations by institutions and industry leaders, focusing on innovation, indigenous breeds, and sustainable dairy practices, reinforcing the sector’s vital role in achieving Uttar Pradesh’s लक्ष्य of becoming a $1 trillion economy.
