U.P. Dairy Conclave Empowers Women and Boosts Milk Cooperatives with ₹11 Cr DBT Grant

Lucknow, September 14 — The Uttar Pradesh Dairy Department turned the spotlight on women’s entrepreneurship and rural prosperity at a bustling dairy conclave in Jhansi on September 11. The three‑division gathering – covering Jhansi, Kanpur and Chitrakoot Dham – was billed as a showcase for the state’s newest milk‑mission initiatives, and it certainly delivered.

In a move that felt part celebration, part financial‑aid marathon, the department confirmed that more than ₹11 crore has been nudged straight into the bank accounts of roughly 1,200 eligible farmers and cattle rearers through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). No cheques, no long queues – just a clean, digital push of funds into the hands of those who raise the milk that fuels the state’s dairy economy.

“The Nand Baba Milk Mission is about getting money where it matters, fast,” said Dhanalakshmi K., Uttar Pradesh Dairy Commissioner, during her address. “We’ve already seen the ripple effect in Meerut, Agra and Bareilly; now Bundelkhand is buzzing with the same enthusiasm.”

Beyond the cash, the conclave also celebrated institutional growth. Twenty‑two brand‑new multipurpose milk cooperatives – many led by women – received official registration certificates, formalising their status and unlocking access to government schemes, technical assistance and market linkages.

Funding for these ventures didn’t stop at the DBT transfers. An additional ₹13.5 crore, earmarked under the 2022 Milk Policy, was released on the spot to back a variety of projects ranging from fodder development to cold‑storage facilities. The dual‑track financing underscored the state’s commitment to both immediate relief and long‑term capacity building.

What struck many observers was the gender balance. More than 70 % of the attendees at the Jhansi conclave were women – a testament to the growing role of female dairy farmers and entrepreneurs in Uttar Pradesh’s milk sector. Their presence was not merely symbolic; many took the stage to share success stories, discuss challenges, and hint at future plans for expanding herd sizes and diversifying dairy products.

Minister of Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development, Dharm Pal Singh, who graced the event, echoed this sentiment. “When our farmers, especially women, see their accounts credited instantly and their cooperatives officially recognised, confidence blooms. That confidence fuels the entire rural economy,” he remarked.

The atmosphere was unmistakably hopeful. Participants – a mix of seasoned cattle rearers, budding entrepreneurs and young women curious about dairy‑related ventures – mingled, exchanged ideas, and took selfies with the freshly minted certificates. For many, the day marked a turning point: a concrete step toward turning traditional cow‑rearing into a modern, profitable enterprise.

As the conclave drew to a close, the message was clear: with streamlined cash transfers, supportive policy funding, and an inclusive approach that puts women at the forefront, Uttar Pradesh’s dairy sector is poised for a robust upswing. The next chapters will likely involve scaling up these cooperatives, improving milk‑value chains, and watching the state’s milk output climb, one cow at a time.