Milk MSP at What Cost? Govt Paying Farmers, But Charging It Back Through Power Bills
Shimla, 15 June 2025
The Himachal government might be flaunting its Minimum Support Price (MSP) for milk as a pro-farmer reform, but the money is actually being squeezed out of the very public it claims to support — including farmers themselves.
The extra burden is showing up in electricity bills, making many wonder if this is the "Vyavastha Parivartan" people voted for.
MSP or Backdoor Billing?
The state pays Rs 51/litre for cow milk and Rs 61/litre for buffalo milk, claiming to support over 40,000 milk producers.
But sources say the cost of this MSP is being indirectly recovered through inflated electricity tariffs, hitting rural and urban consumers alike.
Even small farmers, who sell milk to the government, end up paying more for electricity, effectively funding their own subsidy.
It’s a move many are calling a zero-sum game dressed up as welfare.
Vet Vans & Helplines – Good
The launch of 44 Mobile Veterinary Units (MVUs) has made vet services more accessible. A helpline (1962) handles disease-related queries and emergencies. Over 36,000 calls have been attended, but many interior areas still remain uncovered or face long wait times.
Feed Subsidy – A Relief, Not a Revolution
Under the Garbhit Pashu Aahar Yojna, 31,110 farmers received 50% subsidised animal feed, helping boost milk output.
But many say the scheme is limited to select regions, and access to quality feed remains patchy.
Poultry Push – Good Numbers, Uncertain Returns
Over 6 lakh broiler chicks have been distributed, and Rs 6.13 crore spent on building 155 poultry units, claimed state spokesperson.
But market linkage, vet support, and feed prices continue to pose hurdles. Many youth who jumped in now say they feel abandoned post-setup.
New Cooperatives, Old Problems
5,166 farmers have joined new milk procurement cooperatives. The aim was to cut out middlemen.
But delays in payments, poor cold-chain infrastructure, and low bargaining power still plague the system.
CM's Claim vs Ground Truth
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu says these initiatives will boost the rural economy and create self-reliant livelihoods.
But critics argue the schemes are more about optics than transformation, and the financial burden is silently being shifted back to the people.
So while the government pats itself on the back for revolutionising animal husbandry, consumers—including farmers—are footing the bill, quite literally.
#VyavasthaParivartan
#MilkPolitics
#PowerBillSubsidy
#HimachalDairyDilemma
