Amit Shah Unveils Major Dairy Expansion Plan for Ladakh & Kargil

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday announced an ambitious expansion of the dairy sector in Ladakh and Kargil, aimed at enhancing farmer incomes and ensuring sustainable livelihoods in the high-altitude region.

The government plans to set up a milk processing plant in Leh with a capacity of 50,000 litres per day at an estimated cost of Rs 70 crore. In addition, a 10,000 litres-per-day dairy plant is being established in Kargil at a cost of Rs 25 crore. The Kargil project, implemented under the National Programme for Dairy Development, will run on a 350-kilowatt solar energy system, ensuring sustainable operations.

Shah also laid the foundation stone of the Kargil plant and launched multiple dairy initiatives, including mobile milk testing laboratories, modern cooling systems and digital Automated Milk Collection Systems (AMCS) to improve transparency and efficiency.

To strengthen livestock productivity, cattle breeding centres will be set up in Leh and Kargil at Rs 4 crore each, with plans to introduce 500 improved cattle annually. The long-term goal is to nearly triple livestock numbers in the region over the next decade. Research will ensure breeds are suited to Ladakh’s cold climate and low oxygen levels.

Currently, daily milk procurement stands at about 6,000-7,000 litres, with a target to scale it up to 21,000 litres. The Ladakh Milk Federation network has expanded to 28 villages and is expected to cover 85 per cent of viable villages. The sector has already grown from 74 farmers to around 1,700, with cumulative payments exceeding Rs 15 crore. Existing units produce about 500 kg of paneer and 1,000 kg of curd daily.

With around 18,000 personnel from the Indian Army and ITBP stationed in the region, assured procurement agreements are expected to provide a stable market. Officials said these initiatives mark a significant step toward a self-reliant Ladakh under the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.