Uttar Pradesh holds dairy conclaves to boost rural economy, women’s empowerment

Uttar Pradesh has launched a series of dairy conclaves aimed at boosting the rural economy and empowering women, according to officials. These gatherings, part of a broader initiative to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the state’s Dairy Development Department, have brought together farmers, investors, industry representatives, and local leaders to discuss strategies for improving dairy productivity and economic stability. The latest conclave took place in Lucknow on August 21, 2026, marking the culmination of a year-long campaign to expand the impact of these events across the state. The Dairy Development Department, under the leadership of Chief Minister Adityanath Yogi, organized the Dugdamrit Searn Mahotsav, a two-day festival dedicated to promoting dairy-based livelihoods. During the event, over 10,000 participants, including milk producers, cooperatives, and agricultural stakeholders, gathered to exchange knowledge and share experiences. Experts from universities, research institutions, and non-governmental organizations presented insights on modern dairy practices, technological advancements, and policy frameworks designed to support small-scale farmers. Following the Lucknow event, the department planned a series of regional conclaves to ensure the message reached every corner of the state. On May 5, a conclave in Meerut and Saharanpur attracted local farmers and businesspeople, while another in Agra and Aligarh took place on May 14. The final major conclave was held in Bareilly on August 20, covering Bareilly, Moradabad, and Lucknow. Each event featured presentations from senior officials, including Dharampal Singh, the Minister of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, who emphasized the importance of collective action and innovation in achieving sustainable growth. In addition to these larger gatherings, the department conducted a district-level conclave on August 5, aiming to engage communities directly. This approach reflects a strategic effort to align local efforts with state-wide goals, particularly the vision of transforming Uttar Pradesh into a leader in milk production and dairy development. Officials highlighted the role of women in driving this transformation, noting that many female farmers and self-help group members are actively participating in the program. Dhanalakshmi K., the Dairy Commissioner of Uttar Pradesh, explained that the initiative seeks to educate farmers about public welfare programs and modern dairy management techniques. She emphasized the importance of implementing policies such as the Nand Baba Dugdh Mission and the Dugdh Policy-2022, both of which aim to improve milk quality, ensure fair pricing, and create employment opportunities. By strengthening the dairy sector, the government hopes to contribute to the state’s ambitious target of becoming a one-trillion-dollar economy. The conclave also focused on fostering collaboration among stakeholders, including dairy cooperatives, farmer producer organizations, and private enterprises. Participants were encouraged to leverage available resources and adopt best practices to increase productivity and profitability. With a focus on sustainability and inclusivity, the program aims to uplift rural communities and reduce economic disparities. As the state continues to roll out these initiatives, the emphasis remains on long-term planning and community engagement. Officials believe that sustained investment in infrastructure, technology, and training will be key to achieving their vision of a thriving dairy sector that supports millions of families across Uttar Pradesh.