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Deputy Commissioner of Doda, Sh. Harvinder Singh, IAS, inaugurated a women-run Milk Value Addition Unit under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) 2024-25 on Wednesday in the remote village of Udhyanpur, Tehsil Bhagla Bharath.
Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Commissioner said that women-led SHGs are key to inclusive development and highlighted that HADP provides up to 50% subsidy for projects up to 50 lakh, opening new entrepreneurial opportunities in remote areas. "Udhyanpur is also known as the milk village of Doda, and hence, the maximum units for the HADP project have been set up here. I have ensured that the milk provided here is adequately tested. Any attempt to adulterate or skim milk will result in rejection, and proper training will be provided. In the future, a cooperative of tribal communities and other animal husbandry stakeholders will be established...," Harvinder Singh told ANI after an inspection of the unit. This unit has been established by the Chenab Desi Dairy Self-Help Group with financial support of 25 lakh and is sponsored by the Animal Husbandry Department. Branded as "Osheen Milk," it will process locally produced milk into value-added products, ensuring regular income, self-reliance and dignity for rural women. Taseema Begum, who represents SHGs, shared that the group has installed modern machinery and is producing hygienic local milk and paneer, generating employment and confidence among women. The machinery in the facility is described as "modern state-of-the-art", with due care given to sanitation and cleanliness as per the Deputy Commissioner. Speaking to ANI, Deepak Kumar, a machinery operator in the unit, said, "We make an array of dairy products here, ranging from milk, curd, khoya, butter, cottage cheese, etc., which takes up about one quintal of milk. We have various types of machines that serve different purposes, including preparation, packaging, and storage. Everything is well checked for quality assurance." The Milk Value Addition Unit is expected to improve price realisation, reduce wastage and serve as a model for women-led dairy entrepreneurship in District Doda. Locals welcomed and appreciated the district administration's people-centric approach, noting that such initiatives are strengthening trust and delivering visible development in far-flung areas. (ANI)
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