Jaipur, May 20 -- Dairy cooperatives are emerging as a symbol of the strength and capability of livestock farmers, chief minister Bhajan Lal Sharma said on Monday, adding that these cooperatives have set new benchmarks in development, public participation, and self-reliance. Addressing the "'White Revolution Phase II" and Alwar Milk Union Day programme in Alwar, Sharma said: "Women's active involvement in the dairy sector has significantly increased, contributing to their economic empowerment." "The dairy cooperatives are emerging as a symbol of the strength and capability of livestock farmers. These institutions, run by small small-scale livestock owners, are working in an organised manner on a large scale and are effectively implementing the principle of cooperation is strength on the ground," he said while pointing out that these cooperatives have set new benchmarks in development, public participation, and self-reliance. He also laid the foundation stone for the enhancement of Alwar city's drinking water scheme through tubewell and pipeline works from the Silisedh region, a project worth approximately Rs.23.27 crore. He also launched new products from Alwar Dairy - mawa (evaporated milk solids) and toned milk curd in 15 kg packs. The chief minister said that today is a celebration of the hard work of livestock farmers and farmers. "At the time of its inception, the union collected around 500 liters of milk daily, which has now increased to an average of 1.5 lakh (150,000) liters per day. Additionally, the union is currently providing direct and indirect employment to nearly 50,000 people." He said that the double-engine government at the Centre and the state is taking decisive steps for the welfare of farmers and livestock rearers, as well as for the development of the dairy sector. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi has initiated the provision of an annual honorarium of Rs.6,000 for farmers, which the Rajasthan government has increased to Rs.9,000," the CM said. He further stated that an additional bonus is being given on the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for wheat in Rajasthan, and today, it is the highest in the country. Sharma said under the leadership of PM Modi, Rajasthan has been granted the Ram Jal Setu Link Project. "Through this project, adequate water for drinking and irrigation will be made available to eastern Rajasthan, including Alwar. Additionally, work has been initiated on the Yamuna Water Agreement and the development of the Mahi and Dewas projects for the Shekhawati region," he said. He also mentioned that Rs.3,400 crore has been allocated for the Indira Gandhi Canal Project. "The government is working with a firm commitment to provide daytime electricity to all farmers by 2027. Currently, more than 60,000 farmers are already receiving electricity during the day. Furthermore, major efforts are underway to implement the Feeder Improvement Scheme," the CM said. He further said nearly 4.7 million farmers have received around Rs.30,000 crore in short-term, interest-free crop loans. The chief minister added that a toll-free Mobile Veterinary Service helpline (number 1962) has been launched for livestock, along with the Chief Minister Mangla Animal Insurance Scheme. Additionally, the state government has implemented the Rajasthan Cooperative Gopal Credit Card Loan Scheme, under which interest-free loans have already been provided to more than 37,000 livestock rearers. The CM said: "Children at Anganwadi centers are being provided milk five days a week, ensuring they receive proper nutrition. He emphasized that the state government is working with complete transparency and sensitivity to fulfil the employment dreams of farmers' children." Highlighting achievements during his 17-month tenure, he said that not a single paper leak has occurred during this period. "In contrast, under the previous government, nearly 300 accused involved in paper leak cases have been arrested and sent behind bars." During the event, Union minister of environment, forest and climate change Bhupender Yadav announced that 700 new dairies will be set up in Alwar under the second phase of the White Revolution. "The Prime Minister has laid out four key dimensions to promote the dairy sector: women empowerment, promotion of local milk production, strengthening the foundational infrastructure of dairies, and boosting dairy exports," he said....