Team Goemkarpnn
PANAJI: Goa’s milk production continues to lag behind consumer demand, despite multiple subsidy and incentive schemes aimed at boosting the dairy sector, the government informed the Legislative Assembly.
Replying to a starred question, the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services Department stated that milk output in the state stood at 64.13 thousand tonnes in 2022–23, dipped marginally to 63.66 thousand tonnes in 2023–24, and rose to 67.39 thousand tonnes in 2024–25, as per estimates under the Integrated Sample Survey
The government admitted that the current level of production is insufficient to meet Goa’s daily milk requirement, though data on daily consumption is not available with the department
Explaining the reasons for low output, the government cited high production costs, particularly the price of feed and fodder, which discourages farmers. Other factors include fragmented land holdings, lack of cooperative and community-based dairy farming, rapid urbanisation, and a declining interest among youth in agriculture in favour of tourism and service-sector employment
While the state government does not directly import milk, it acknowledged that several dairy brands operate in the Goan market. As per the Goa State Co-operative Milk Producers’ Union Ltd (Goa Dairy), an average of 8,000 litres of milk per day is sourced from Maharashtra to supplement local supply
The government also placed on record the prices paid to milk producers. Goa Dairy’s highest rates include Rs 41.31 per litre for cow milk, Rs 71.37 for buffalo milk, and Rs 41.31 for mixed milk, while the average rates vary depending on fat and SNF content. In addition, the state provides a 40 per cent incentive on the total value of milk supplied to cooperative societies
To reduce dependence on milk sourced from outside the state, the government said it is implementing several schemes, including the Mukhyamantri Sudharit Kamdhenu Scheme, under which dairy farmers can purchase up to ten milch animals with 90 per cent subsidy and insurance coverage. Incentive schemes, dairy equipment assistance, community dairy farming initiatives, and training programmes for unemployed youth are also being rolled out to strengthen the sector
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