Milkfed seeks ₹50 crore grant from NDDB to provide free cattle feed in flood-affected districts

With Punjab reeling under one of its most devastating floods in recent years, affecting nearly 1,900 villages and submerging nearly 4 lakh hectares of fertile land, the Cooperation Department, along with Milkfed Punjab (Verka) and its affiliated milk unions, has launched an unprecedented relief and recovery operation to support both people and livestock.

The hardest-hit regions — Amritsar, Ferozepur, Abohar, Fazilka, and Jalandhar — account for nearly 3.5 lakh of the affected people who are struggling for essential supplies.

Advertisement

Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Milkfed Punjab has activated a comprehensive two-fold strategy, sustaining dairy farmers and livestock, while simultaneously ensuring the supply of milk and essential commodities to the affected population.

Speaking on the initiative, Financial Commissioner Cooperation Sumer Gurjar said, ”This is not just relief—it is a reaffirmation of Verka’s bond with Punjab’s people. Our teams are on the ground to protect farmers’ livelihoods, safeguard animals, and ensure that no family is left without nourishment.”

With transportation routes submerged, dairy farmers were unable to move milk, pushing them towards severe financial distress. Rising to the challenge, Milkfed teams used boats and makeshift carriers to reach milk collection points in flooded villages, ensuring uninterrupted procurement of raw milk.

Milkfed MD Rahul Gupta added, Thousands of cattle stranded in submerged sheds are receiving priority support. In coordination with affiliated milk unions, Milkfed is supplying cattle feed and chokar (bran) at subsidised rates. To scale up this effort, Milkfed has also approached the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) for a ₹50 crore grant, which, once approved, will enable free distribution of cattle feed across affected districts.

On the human relief front, Milkfed is working through district administrations to supply fresh milk, skimmed milk powder, whole milk powder, and dairy whitener. These essential commodities are particularly critical for families with children, the elderly, and vulnerable populations. The operation is being expanded rapidly to ensure uninterrupted nourishment in all flood-hit areas.

The MD further informed that in addition to dairy supplies, Milkfed and its unions have pledged 15,000 food kits for stranded families. The distribution has already begun from Verka Jalandhar, Mohali, and Sangrur dairies, with supplies steadily moving to relief camps and remote pockets.

Officials from the Department of Cooperation emphasised that Milkfed Punjab’s actions go beyond emergency relief. In the face of an unprecedented challenge, Milkfed Punjab and its unions have demonstrated resilience by not only supporting farmers and livestock but also ensuring that no family is left without essentials.”