Direct income push for dairy farmers as Bhagwant Mann Govt revises Milkfed procurement rates from April 1; 2.5 lakh farmers to benefit
CHANDIGARH, 2 April 2026:
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday announced a significant increase in milk procurement prices for farmers associated with Milkfed Punjab (Verka), declaring it as a decisive step to strengthen the rural economy and ensure better returns for dairy producers across the state. The revised rates, effective from April 1, 2026, are expected to directly benefit lakhs of farmers while triggering a broader rise in procurement prices across the dairy sector.
In a statement, Chief Minister’s Office stated, “In another major pro-farmer initiative, the Punjab Government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday announced an increase in the milk procurement price for farmers associated with Milkfed Punjab (brand Verka).”
The CM Office added, “These rates will be effective from April 1, 2026. This will increase the Milk Procurement price by ₹10 to 15 per Kg Fat. The decision aims to ensure better remuneration for dairy farmers, strengthen the rural economy, and reinforce the cooperative dairy structure in Punjab.”
In consonance with the directions of the Chief Minister this move has been taken by Milkfed to safeguard the interest of farmers and dairy producers, who are the backbone of Punjab’s rural economy.”
Around 2.5 lakh dairy farmers who are part of Milkfed family will immediately get the benefit of increased payments. This price enhancement will improve the economic viability of dairy farming and will actually benefit nearly 30 lakh milk producers of Punjab, as all other companies and Institutions which procure milk will have to increase their procurement rates so as to match those of Milkfed’s.
Pertinently, Milkfed Punjab is North India’s leading Milk Cooperative with majority share in packaged milk and milk products. Being the leader in the industry in this part of the country, the raising of milk procurement prices by Milkfed will have a spiralling effect and lead to additional infusion of ₹100 crore per month in Punjab’s rural economy.
