Lucknow: The two-day ‘Dugdh Swarn Mahotsav 2026’, marking 50 years of the Uttar Pradesh Dairy Development Department, concluded on a grand and successful note at Indira Gandhi Pratishthan in Gomti Nagar. The event celebrated the department’s contributions while outlining a future roadmap for strengthening the dairy sector through innovation and technology.
The ceremony began with a message from Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, highlighting the state government’s commitment to empowering farmers and livestock rearers.
Addressing the gathering, Additional Chief Secretary Mukesh Kumar Meshram emphasized that the dairy sector is a major driver of employment and rural prosperity. He stated that the government is committed to doubling farmers’ income through technological interventions, training programmes, and awareness initiatives. “The dairy sector will play a crucial role in transforming Uttar Pradesh into a one trillion-dollar economy,” he said.
Meshram also underlined efforts to promote indigenous cattle breeds and enhance milk production, adding that the department continues to support farmers through schemes that encourage self-employment and ensure access to quality dairy products.
Dairy Commissioner Dhanalakshmi K reiterated the government’s vision of maintaining Uttar Pradesh’s leading position in milk production. She highlighted that the sector is no longer limited to cooperatives, with private dairies also setting new benchmarks in milk processing. The state government, she noted, has created a structured ecosystem ensuring assured markets, transparent pricing, and sustainable income for farmers.
Key initiatives such as the Nand Baba Milk Mission and the Uttar Pradesh Dairy Development and Milk Product Promotion Policy 2022 were showcased, focusing on ensuring a seamless “cow to consumer” supply chain. Over 10,000 beneficiaries have received financial assistance worth ₹84 crore under the mission through direct benefit transfer.
Officials shared that the dairy sector contributes approximately ₹1.72 lakh crore to the state’s Gross State Value Added (GSVA). The department has signed 796 MoUs worth over ₹25,000 crore, expected to generate more than 60,000 jobs. Additionally, 72 projects worth ₹2,000 crore launched under Ground Breaking Ceremony 5.0 have already created around 4,000 jobs, while new MoUs worth over ₹3,000 crore are projected to generate more than 13,000 employment opportunities.
The event witnessed participation from nearly 10,000 dairy farmers, livestock rearers, and investors, with many more joining virtually from across districts and even abroad. Beneficiaries and representatives from leading dairy enterprises shared their success stories, inspiring stakeholders to adopt modern practices.
The ceremony also honoured serving and retired officials and employees for their contributions to the department over the past five decades. Cultural programmes added vibrancy to the celebrations, making the golden jubilee event both informative and celebratory.
Senior officials and experts from across the state played a key role in organising the event, which concluded with a vote of thanks, reaffirming the government’s commitment to building a strong, transparent, and farmer-centric dairy ecosystem.
