Chandigarh, April 3 -- The Punjab government on Thursday announced an increase in milk procurement prices by Rs.10 to Rs.15 per kg fat for farmers associated with Milkfed Punjab (Verka), terming it a decisive step to strengthen the rural economy and ensure better returns for dairy producers across the state. The revised rates, effective from April 1, are expected to directly benefit lakhs of farmers while triggering a broader rise in procurement prices across the dairy sector. In a statement, the chief minister's office mentioned, "The decision aims to ensure better remuneration for dairy farmers, strengthen the rural economy and reinforce the cooperative dairy structure in Punjab." Around 2.5 lakh dairy farmers, who are part of Milkfed, will immediately get the benefit of increased payments. This price enhancement will improve the economic viability of dairy farming, the government stated....