Shillong Apr 30: The Meghalaya government has set a target to encourage atleast 2000 farmers to rare cattle in order to be produce milk in the first edition of the Meghalaya Milk Mission.

With the creation of the Directorate of Dairy Development, Deputy Chief Minister in-charge Veterinary, Prestone Tynsong said that the Directorate would work towards enhancing milk production in the state.

In July last year, Rs 215 crore was sanctioned for Meghalaya through the National Cooperative Development Corporation and the Meghalaya Milk Mission was also launched.

Tynsong said that in the first edition of Meghalaya Milk Mission, around 2000 farmers would be encouraged to rear cattle that can produce milk, and this would also help the state to combat unemployment problem and boost the economy of the state.

The amount will be also utilised for various trainings under dairy farm, chilling centre and purchase of milk animals.

He said that under the Milk Mission, DPRs were being prepared for 2000 farmers who would benefit from the mission.

He said that at the Processing Plant, Central Dairy, Shillong alone, the state government has taken step to improvise the Dairy which will enhance milk production from 10,000 litres to 50,000 litres per day.