- Kargil dairy plant, mobile labs, and digital milk systems mark historic cooperative expansion
- NDDB-led model links farmers to national markets through Mother Dairy integration
- White Revolution 2.0 vision aims to triple milk procurement and strengthen rural incomes
- Focus on women empowerment, breeding tech, and climate-resilient dairy ecosystem
- Ladakh positioned as emerging dairy hub under ‘Sahkar se Samriddhi’ framework
NE DAIRY BUREAU
ANAND, MAY 6
In a landmark push for dairy-led rural transformation in high-altitude regions, Union Minister of Home Affairs & Cooperation Amit Shah inaugurated a series of farmer-centric initiatives under the NDDB-managed Ladakh Milk Federation, marking a significant leap in the cooperative dairy ecosystem of the Union Territory.
The programme witnessed the foundation stone laying of a 10,000 litres per day Kargil Dairy Plant, launch of paneer and curd under the Leh Milk Plant, rollout of a pan-India Android-based Automatic Milk Collection System (AMCS), and inauguration of a mobile milk testing laboratory along with a containerised Bulk Milk Cooler facility in Kargil.
On the occasion, Mother Dairy Fruit & Vegetable Pvt. Ltd. and Ladakh Milk Federation signed a strategic agreement to expand supply and retail distribution of non-competing Mother Dairy products in Ladakh. The top five highest milk pourers for 2025–26 were also felicitated for their outstanding contribution.
Dignitaries, including Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena, Ministers Prof. SP Singh Baghel, George Kurian, MP Haji Mohd Haneefa Jan, Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra, Additional Secretary Varsha Joshi, and NDDB Chairman Meenesh Shah attended the event.
“Sahkar se Samriddhi” in action
In his address, Amit Shah stated that the initiatives reflect the visionary cooperative model of the Prime Minister and aim to unlock Ladakh’s dairy potential.
“The foundation stone of a modern dairy processing plant in Kargil will enhance self-reliance of local families,” he said, highlighting initiatives such as mobile testing labs, value-added dairy products, digital milk procurement systems, and integration of Ladakh with national markets through Mother Dairy.
He further outlined ambitious expansion plans, including a 50,000 litres per day dairy plant in Leh, establishment of heifer rearing centres, improved cattle breeds, and a target to raise milk procurement from 7,000 litres per day to 21,000 litres per day.
Scaling White Revolution 2.0
Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh stressed that Ladakh’s dairy growth is being supported through schemes like NPDD and NLM.
“‘Sahkar se Samriddhi’ must connect unorganised milk producers with cooperatives,” he said, adding that White Revolution 2.0 will strengthen India’s dairy sector and rural economy. He also underlined the importance of women’s participation and advanced breeding technologies including sex-sorted semen and wider Artificial Insemination coverage.
NDDB’s transformation blueprint
NDDB Chairman Meenesh Shah highlighted that since the 2022 MoU with the UT administration and LAHDC, the dairy sector in Ladakh has undergone a structural shift.
“From 74 farmers in one village to 1,700 farmers across 28 villages, milk procurement has reached 7,000 litres per day,” he said, adding that fresh milk supply has also been ensured for the Indian Army. He noted that integration with Mother Dairy is helping diversify markets and strengthen rural livelihoods.
Cooperative ecosystem on display
Before the inauguration, Amit Shah visited exhibition stalls showcasing cooperative strengthening initiatives, including Ladakh Oma brand consolidation, farm-to-consumer dairy models, organic agricultural produce, pashmina heritage craftsmanship, and climate-resilient farming practices.
