Leh to get major dairy facility as Shah unveils Ladakh plan
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday announced an ambitious plan to transform the dairy sector in Ladakh, including a large processing plant, breeding centres, and expansion of livestock to boost farmer incomes.
Extending greetings on Buddha Purnima, Shah said a modern dairy facility with a capacity of 50,000 litres per day will be set up in Leh at an estimated cost of Rs 70 crore.
Breeding centres, climate-suited livestock planned
To support the region’s unique conditions, new cattle breeding centres will be established in Leh and Kargil, each costing around Rs 4 crore.
Shah emphasised the need for research to ensure high-yielding breeds can adapt to Ladakh’s low oxygen levels and extreme temperatures.
मोदी सरकार लद्दाख में सहकार से समृद्धि व आत्मनिर्भरता की मजबूत नींव रख रही है। कारगिल डेयरी प्लांट सहित विभिन्न विकास कार्यों के लोकार्पण और शिलान्यास कार्यक्रम से लाइव…
https://t.co/aBPzA7Ybes— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) May 1, 2026
Plan to nearly triple livestock numbers
The government aims to induct around 500 improved cattle annually, with a long-term goal of nearly tripling the livestock population over the next decade.
According to Shah, this expansion will significantly enhance income opportunities for dairy farmers in the high-altitude region.
Milk procurement and cooperative network to expand
Following its integration with the National Dairy Development Board, the Ladakh Milk Federation has extended its reach to 28 villages.
Shah said the network should cover at least 85 per cent of viable villages. Daily milk procurement is expected to rise from 6,000 litres to 21,000 litres with improved infrastructure.
Assured demand from defence forces
The minister highlighted agreements with the Indian Army and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police, which together have nearly 18,000 personnel in the region, ensuring a steady market for dairy products.
He also stressed upgrading plant capacity from 5 TLPD to 10 TLPD to meet rising demand.
Kargil plant, women-led cooperatives gain focus
A separate dairy plant with a 10,000-litre daily capacity is being set up in Kargil at a cost of Rs 25 crore.
Shah praised the role of women in dairy cooperatives, noting that the existing milk union produces about 500 kg of paneer and 1,000 kg of curd daily.
Technology to improve quality and transparency
To modernise operations, mobile milk testing units and a digital Automated Milk Collection System will be introduced.
Shah also encouraged the administration to expand cooperative-led activities into allied sectors like organic farming and honey production.
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