Varanasi: UP ttar Pradesh Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development Minister Dharmpal Singh on Saturday inaugurated ‘Rangeelo Kashi’, a two-day mega rural festival being organised at BHU by National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) and its wholly owned subsidiary, NDDB Dairy Services.The festival brings together farmers, dairy experts, researchers, policymakers, entrepreneurs, cooperatives, startups and rural enterprises to showcase livestock excellence, agri-dairy technologies, farmer-led innovations and the cultural richness of Purvanchal.Designed as a platform for knowledge exchange and practical learning, the festival highlights emerging opportunities shaping the rural economy and the dairy value chain.Addressing the gathering, Singh said the UP govt was supporting farmers through subsidies for cattle purchase and access to high-quality semen to help increase their income. He said animal husbandry and dairy development would play a vital role in the state’s ambition of becoming a $1 trillion economy, with emphasis on increasing milk production at the lowest possible cost.The minister also urged farmers to take advantage of the government’s animal vaccination drive to protect livestock and improve productivity.Durga Shankar Mishra, former UP chief secretary and director, NDDB, said the state, once a leading milk-producing region, had regained momentum under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.He said focused efforts by the state govt and NDDB had helped UP reclaim its position as India’s largest milk-producing state, while significant scope remained for further development of the dairy sector.NDDB CMD Meenesh Shah said ‘Rangeelo Kashi’ followed the success of the first ‘Rangeelo’ event held in Jaipur. He said NDDB was working to strengthen dairy development in eastern Uttar Pradesh through measures such as reviving old plants and promoting high-yielding cattle breeds.The inaugural day featured a ‘Nandi Show’, where superior breeds including Sahiwal, Tharparkar, Bhadawari and Gir were showcased for farmers. Meritorious children of milk producer organisation farmers and beneficiaries of Uttar Pradesh dairy development schemes were also felicitated.The festival features a Grand Pashu Mela, technical sessions, workshops, demonstrations, Experience Zones and exhibitions aimed at providing farmers with practical knowledge and exposure to new technologies and innovations.The event is expected to attract more than 20,000 visitors and feature 85 exhibitors, 500 delegates, 150 Pashu Mela participants and 20 Handicraft Haat participants. More than eight high-genetic-merit breeds are being showcased, while the total prize money on offer exceeds Rs41 lakh.
