DW BUREAU / Amritsar

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday laid the foundation stone of a Rs 135 crore project, aimed at enhancing the production capacity of sterilized flavoured milk and new fermented dairy products at a local milk plant.

Addressing a gathering, Mann said such functions were never witnessed during the previous regimes as those who were at the helm of affairs at that time were bothered about their families only.

However, he said now these events are a regular feature as the state government is working tirelessly for the well-being of the people.

Mann said that now spectacular progress and development is seen in every sector for which the state government is making concerted efforts.

He said that Verka is now being launched on e-commerce platforms so that the mouth watering and quality products are available across the globe online. He said that the state government will rope in the ace players from the state to be the brand ambassadors of the Verka so that it can spread its wings across the globe.

Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Punjab has pioneered White revolution in the country by producing quality milk, curd, lassi and others adding that this is the real development of the state.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister said that this project will not only boost Milkfed's production capabilities but will also contribute to the growth of the dairy industry in the region and provide remunerative prices to the dairy farmers associated with Milk Union Amritsar. He said that the state government has drafted new employee service rules, marking a significant milestone for Milkfed employees. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that these rules will provide salaries to regular employees at par with government employees and introduce performance-based incentives, promoting a culture of excellence and motivation.

The Chief Minister said that this will also open the gates for fresh recruitment of 1200 employees. He said that it is also a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that Milkfed is launching exciting new products, including Rabri and Kaju Badam milk. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that these additions will cater to diverse consumer preferences, further establishing Milkfed's position as a leading dairy brand.

The Chief Minister said that a new mascot of Milkfed- 'Veera' has also been launched which will serve as a brand ambassador, giving a voice to the values and message Verka wants to convey to its customers. He said that Milkfed, was established in 1973 to promote dairy farming in Punjab and its primary objective was to provide a remunerative market to milk producers, offer technical support to enhance milk procurement and ensure effective marketing of dairy products.

Mann said that at present Milkfed Punjab is the seventh largest milk cooperative of India with business turnover of more than Rs.6000 Crore.

The Chief Minister said that the Punjab government has provided Rs. 100 Crore as budgetary support for paying higher procurement prices to help the dairy farmers. He said that Milkfed's core strength lies in procuring best quality milk and production of top quality milk products. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that in order to ensure quality products, Milkfed has been investing heavily on setting up state of the art milk plants and milk testing equipment, so that the quality of every drop of milk is well checked in the entire value chain and safe products are delivered to consumers.

The Chief Minister exhorted farmers to provide maximum quantity of Milk to Verka so that the entity could be able to expand its base, besides offering lucrative rates to the milk producers.

He said that Milkfed has been launching new milk products from time to time, which have been getting overwhelming response. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Milkfed is in the process of widening its reach on PAN India basis and launched fresh milk and milk products in Delhi and NCR markets.

Bhagwant Singh Mann said that my government is working tirelessly to restore the pristine glory of Milkfed the premier Milk Cooperative, which under its brand name Verka, produces a number of products including Milk, Butter, Ghee and other dairy products adding that these products are renowned all over the world, due its good quality and mouth watering taste.

Taking a jibe at the opposition, the Chief Minister said that the leaders of these parties are squabbling for power whereas the Aam Aadmi government is working tirelessly for the welfare of the coming generations. He said that the opposition is a divided house where the leaders are pulling legs of each other for the sake of power. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that nothing best for the state can be expected from such opportunist and greedy leaders, who are always fighting for power.

(editor@dailyworld.in)