Farmers making millions by selling milk

By Our Correspondent, Arghakhanchi, Aug. 21: Madhav Ghimire, 30, of Panini Rural Municipality-4, Patauti, never felt the desire to go abroad after spending three years in India doing a job there.

He has become an exemplary farmer in the village now. He is engaged in cow and buffalo rearing, and has been selling milk worth Rs. 45,000 per month.

"I produce 40 liters of milk per day from three cows and two buffaloes. Last year, I received 44,364 from the rural municipality in cash subsidy," he said. 

November and December is peak season for selling milk. His spouse is also involved in the same occupation. "We are engaged in animal husbandry, we have a good income. So, I am satisfied. Meanwhile, I am also involved in farming. Its not difficult to earn Rs. 50,000 a month," said Ghimire. 

Likewise, Narayan Adhikari, 38, of the same village has been raising five cows. Milk production has increased since the rural municipality started giving subsidies based on production. Those who produce more milk and sell it to cooperatives and dairies will get more subsidy, said Adhikari. 

Devilal Neupane, Chairman of Dairy and Production Cooperative, said that the cooperatives located in Maidan Neta of Panini earns Rs. 10 million a year by selling milk. A total of 160 farmers are members of the dairy cooperative.

Panini has started giving subsidy on milk from the fiscal year 2018/19 and has distributed about Rs. 9.1 million to the farmers. 

Humlal Bhusal, Administrative Officer of the local body, said that when subsidies are given based on production, farmers will be encouraged to increase their efforts and produce more. Farmers are being subsidized for milk production at a rate of 5 rupees per litre.

Panini produces 900,000 liters of milk annually, and most of it is consumed locally while some of it is used by a Churpi industry in Nigali.