The North News
Chandigarh, April 2
The government led by Bhagwant Singh Mann has announced an increase in milk procurement prices, a move aimed at improving returns for dairy farmers and strengthening the rural economy.
The revised rates, implemented from 1 April 2026, will apply to farmers linked with Milkfed Punjab, which markets its products under the Verka brand.
Officials said the procurement price has been raised by ₹10 to ₹15 per kilogram of fat. The decision is expected to directly benefit around 250,000 dairy farmers associated with the cooperative.
In a statement, the Chief Minister’s Office described the measure as part of a broader push to support farmers and reinforce Punjab’s cooperative dairy sector. Authorities said the increase would help ensure more stable and better income for milk producers.
The government believes the move could have a wider impact across the industry. As Milkfed is a major player in northern India’s dairy market, private companies and other institutions may also revise their procurement rates upwards to remain competitive.
Officials estimate that the price hike could inject nearly ₹100 crore into Punjab’s rural economy every month. The benefits, they say, may extend to as many as three million milk producers across the state.
Punjab’s dairy sector plays a key role in supporting rural livelihoods, and the latest announcement is being seen as an attempt to improve its long-term sustainability.