NABARD Haryana Regional Office, Chandigarh organised a one-day State-level workshop on Government sponsored schemes with focus on Dairy Entrepreneurship Development Scheme (DEDS) and National Livestock Mission on Friday.

Arun Shukla, Chief General Manager, NABARD, Haryana Regional Office, Chandigarh highlighted the role of NABARD for implementation of GoI schemes in dairy and animal husbandry sector and gave overview of activities of NABARD in Haryana. He shared the fact that fourteen farmer-produces companies have been formed exclusively for dairy sector in the state. The details of the DEDS were explained to the participants of the workshop alongwith the procedure and vision of Government of India. NABARD is the Nodal Agency to implement the scheme.

PK Mahapatra, Additional Chief Secretary, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Govt. of Haryana shared the vision for development of dairy farmers and dairy sector in the state as well in the country. Highlighting the new schemes and programmes of his Department, Mahaptra said that a target to double milk production in next five years is the main goal for the country.

He urged the bankers to finance dairy projects in a cluster mode. The State Government scheme of 50 milch animals may be financed by the banks and covered under DEDS to take benefit of subsidy available under milk processing components.

The SHGs and the producer’s organisation may also be financed under DEDS scheme.

 The banks and line department may explore the possibility of financing for heifer in the state to improve breed quality. Besides, he emphasised that focus should change from production of milk to value addition and processing of milk.

Renu S. Phuila, Special Secretary, Animal Husbandry and G.S.Jhakar, Director General, Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying , P.K.Mahapatra, Additional Chief Secretary, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Govt. of Haryana was the Chief Guest on the occasion.