Margao/Ponda: State govt on Thursday unveiled a revised Kamdhenu Scheme and higher milk procurement incentives for dairy farmers.Chief minister Pramod Sawant announced the measures at a programme organised by the department of animal husbandry and veterinary services in Ponda.Under the revised scheme, subsidy cover has been doubled — from 10 cows to 20. The first 10 cows will continue to get a 90% subsidy, while the additional 10 will be eligible for 75%, Sawant said.Milk procurement incentives have also been raised to Rs 6 per litre for cow milk and Rs 10 per litre for buffalo milk, making dairy farming more remunerative, he said.“Govt is committed to increasing local production and reducing dependence on other states, in line with our vision of ‘Make in Goa, Make for Goa’,” he said, urging youth to explore opportunities in dairy farming, agriculture and food processing.Sawant also said the department of food and drugs administration has been directed to conduct regular testing of milk and milk products entering Goa. Financially strong dairy cooperatives, he added, were key to farmers’ economic empowerment.The chief minister further announced that the veterinary college and fisheries college at Curti will begin classes this academic year, and said veterinary healthcare services were being strengthened statewide.
