UP dairy conclaves push rural growth and women’s empowerment

What Happened

The Uttar Pradesh Dairy Development Department said on August 21, 2026, that it is rolling out a series of divisional and district dairy conclaves to spread awareness about public welfare initiatives and strengthen the rural economy. The department marked its 50th year on April 17, 2026, and organized a two-day Dugdamrit Searn Mahotsav in Lucknow to commemorate this milestone. The event brought together thousands of milk farmers, investors, milk-producing companies, SHGs, and cooperatives, along with experts, technicians, and academics from universities and other entities who shared experiences and success stories.

Following the Lucknow event, organizers outlined a plan to extend the conclaves across divisions and districts. Specific regional gatherings were planned for Meerut and Saharanpur on May 5, for Agra (including Aligarh) on May 14, and for Bareilly (including Moradabad and Lucknow) on August 20. A district-level conclave was held on August 5 to cover all divisions within Uttar Pradesh. The minister of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Dharampal Singh, attended these events.

The objective of these conclaves is to inform eligible beneficiaries about public welfare programs under the Dairy Development Department while promoting modern technologies and scientific livestock management in the dairy sector. The department highlighted ongoing schemes such as the Nand Baba Dugdh Mission and the 2022 Dugdh Policy, with an emphasis on fodder management and formal dairy processing. Officials described the effort as part of a broader goal to strengthen the rural economy, support women’s empowerment, improve milk quality, ensure fair prices for rural farmers through dairy cooperatives and producer organizations, and contribute to a broader state initiative described as targeting a one-trillion-dollar economy.

Officials stressed that the initiative seeks participation from milk unions, milk-producing farmers, and SHGs, encouraging them to access available welfare measures. The Dairy Commissioner, Dhanalakshmi K., called the program a mass dairy reform effort under the state’s policy framework and the ongoing celebration of its half-century milestone.