Mega dairy in Hassan to be inaugurated by March 2026 with plans for tourism and youth engagement

HASSAN: The mega dairy in Hassan, being built at a cost of over Rs 790 crore, will be inaugurated by March 2026, with PM Narendra Modi likely to attend.There were plans to develop the premises into a tourist attraction and a dedicated museum on Dr Kurien and former PM H D Deve Gowda.

Youth engagement initiatives in dairy and agriculture would be major attractions among them, said the Milk Union President and JD(S) MLA H D Revanna.The civil works, equipment supply, and installation for the construction of a mega dairy with a capacity of 10 lakh litres (expandable to 1.5 million litres) at an estimated cost of Rs 735 crore on 66 acres in the Hassan industrial area, as well as a 60 metric ton milk powder unit, are nearly complete.

It is planned to commence operations of the mega dairy unit and powder plant in the upcoming December, he said.It is planned to develop the premises as a tourist attraction, and the project includes a park, water fountain, and cafeteria. Additionally, the project will feature unique constructions like an auditorium within the district. Special attractions will include a train, children's park, boat rides, and an audio-visual display about the growth of the milk union.

Various programs aimed at transforming farmers from three districts within the union into successful dairy farmers. It will also encourage rural youth to engage in agriculture and dairy farming.Currently, an average of 14.15 lakh litres of milk is being collected daily from 1,717 societies. For the fiscal year 2024-25, grants totalling Rs 12 crore have been provided to the societies for various activities. Similarly, for the fiscal year 2025-26, a total of Rs 25.40 crore is allocated to the societies.