Chandigarh – In response to devastating floods sweeping through parts of Punjab, Punjab State Cooperative Milk Producers’ Federation Ltd (Milkfed) has submitted an urgent request to the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) for a ₹50 crore relief grant. The proposed fund aims to provide free cattle feed distribution in submerged districts and safeguard the livelihoods of dairy farmers who form the backbone of the state’s rural economy.
🌊 Flood Disruptions Hit Dairy Supply Chain
With key rivers like the Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi overflowing due to heavy monsoon rainfall across northern India, Punjab is witnessing one of its most severe flood situations in decades. The deluge has significantly disrupted milk procurement and transportation, leaving farmers unable to deliver their produce and facing severe income loss.
🚜 Emergency Measures Initiated by Milkfed
Punjab Milkfed has implemented a two-pronged relief strategy:
- Sustaining livestock through cattle feed and bran distribution
- Maintaining nutritional supply chains for flood-affected families
| Relief Measure | Details |
|---|---|
| NDDB Grant Requested | ₹50 crore for cattle feed distribution |
| Cattle Feed & Bran Support | Distribution of feed and chokar bran at subsidised rates |
| Transportation Alternatives | Boats and makeshift carriers are used for raw milk collection |
| Fresh Milk & Powdered Products | Distribution of fresh milk, skimmed milk powder, whole milk powder, and whitener |
| Food Kits for Affected Families | 15,000+ kits committed for flood-hit households |
| Insurance & Financial Relief | Under consideration with district administrations and cooperatives |
🐄 Milkfed’s Relief Mission: Saving Livestock, Preserving Supply Chains
Milkfed Managing Director Rahul Gupta stressed the urgency of providing relief to thousands of cattle stranded in submerged sheds. With the NDDB grant, Milkfed plans to distribute cattle feed free of cost through its network of affiliated milk unions, covering the worst-hit districts.
Milkfed is working closely with district administrations to ensure dairy nutrition continues to reach children, the elderly, and vulnerable communities, especially in rural belts where access is still limited.
📍 Flood Impact: Context and Urgency
The situation remains dire across Punjab and neighbouring states, including Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh, where landslides and swollen rivers have displaced thousands. In Punjab, hundreds of villages remain cut off, and restoring access to food, fodder, and milk is a top priority.
🔄 Cooperative Sector in Action
Milkfed’s swift response highlights the critical role of dairy cooperatives in disaster resilience and food security. The crisis underscores the need for:
- Emergency dairy disaster relief protocols
- Flexible milk transportation infrastructure
- Climate-adaptive cattle feeding programs
- Collaboration with national bodies like NDDB and FSSAI
