Madhya Pradesh on Wednesday has joined Maharashtra, Gujarat and Chhattisgarh in banning analogue paneer, a cheaper alternative to traditional dairy paneer. State Chief Minister (CM) Dr Mohan Yadav on Wednesday ordered a ban on its production, sale and use in the state, underlining the government’s push to promote naturally produced milk and dairy products.

The Chief Minister issued the directions during a meeting with officials of the Food and Civil Supplies Department before leaving for Gujarat. He said the state would follow the example of other states that had already taken steps against the sale of analogue paneer.

Government moves against cheaper paneer alternative

Analogue paneer is manufactured as a substitute for conventional paneer made from milk. Unlike traditional paneer, it may contain vegetable fats, starch and other ingredients either in place of, or alongside, milk. Its relatively low production cost has contributed to its growing presence in the market.

“We are banning analogue paneer in Madhya Pradesh, as other states have done,” CM Dr Yadav said. “We will increase milk production naturally and make paneer naturally as well.”

The Chief Minister later reiterated the decision while speaking to the media on Wednesday. He said the government would discourage the sale of analogue paneer and promote products made from natural milk instead.

Estimated daily consumption of 300-400 quintals

The scale of the trade has emerged as a major concern for the state authorities. The daily inflow and sale of analogue paneer in Madhya Pradesh is estimated at around 300 to 400 quintals.

At that rate, consumption could amount to nearly 9,000 to 12,000 quintals, or 900 to 1,200 tonnes, every month. In view of the sizable volume being sold across the state, the government has now decided to take a stricter stance against the product.

CM Dr Yadav said Madhya Pradesh was moving towards increasing milk production and would not encourage activities linked to the sale of analogue paneer.

NHRC raises concerns over sale of synthetic paneer

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has also expressed concern over the sale of analogue paneer. The commission has decided to write to Madhya Pradesh and other states regarding the issue and is expected to seek information on the sale of such products and their possible impact on public health.

NHRC member Priyank Kanoongo described analogue paneer as dangerous and said the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) was being issued a notice seeking an explanation on why such products were being permitted for sale.

Kanoongo also questioned whether merely carrying a health warning would eliminate the potential harm associated with a product. He argued that after three states had taken action, other states should consider similar measures.

He further pointed out that analogue paneer may not always be detected through tests designed only to identify starch.

Natural dairy products to get priority

With the new order, manufacturers and sellers of analogue paneer in Madhya Pradesh could face strict action. The Chief Minister has made it clear that the state intends to promote naturally produced paneer and expand milk production rather than encourage cheaper substitutes.

CM Dr Yadav said Madhya Pradesh would seek to build its identity around naturally produced dairy products, signalling a wider policy push towards strengthening the state’s milk and dairy sector.