Foundation stones laid for three dairy processing plants in Assam to boost cooperative dairy infrastructure

In a significant step towards strengthening cooperative dairy infrastructure in Upper Assam, the Bhoomi Pujan and foundation stone laying ceremony for three new dairy processing plants was recently conducted at Jorhat, Dibrugarh and Dhemaji, marking the beginning of infrastructure expansion under West Assam Milk Producers’ Cooperative Union Ltd. (WAMUL)’s Purabi Dairy.

According to the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), the initiative represents a major milestone in expanding the organised dairy ecosystem across Upper Assam and strengthening farmer-led cooperative dairy networks.

The main ceremony was held in Jorhat, where the foundation stone was laid by Krishnendu Paul, Hon’ble Minister for Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Department, Government of Assam. The event was attended by Rupjyoti Kurmi, MLA, Mariani; Varsha Joshi, Additional Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India; Meenesh Shah, Chairman of the National Dairy Development Board; and M. S. Manivannan, Commissioner & Secretary to the Government of Assam, Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Department.

The Bhoomi Pujan ceremony at Dhemaji was performed by Ranoj Pegu, Hon’ble Minister, Government of Assam, in the presence of local dignitaries. Similarly, the Bhoomi Pujan for the Dibrugarh plant was carried out by Prasanta Phukan, Hon’ble Minister, Government of Assam, in the presence of Diganta Kalita, MLA, and other dignitaries.

As highlighted by the National Dairy Development Board, the milk processing plant at Jorhat is being established by East Assam Milk Producers’ Cooperative Union Limited with financial assistance under the National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD). Meanwhile, the plants at Dibrugarh and Dhemaji are being set up by North East Dairy and Foods Limited (NEDFL)—a joint venture between the Government of Assam and the National Dairy Development Board—with financial support from the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF XXXI).

During the programme, Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Hon’ble Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Government of India, addressed dairy cooperative farmers and dignitaries through a video message. He highlighted that expanding dairy infrastructure in Upper Assam will strengthen organised cooperative dairying and integrate more farmers into structured milk procurement systems. The Minister also emphasised that strengthening farmer-owned institutions and increasing milk processing capacity remain key priorities under the Government of India’s vision of White Revolution 2.0.

Currently, East Assam Milk Producers’ Cooperative Union Limited undertakes milk procurement across multiple districts of Upper Assam, connecting thousands of dairy farmers to the organised cooperative dairy network.

According to the National Dairy Development Board, once operational, the new processing plants will significantly enhance milk procurement and processing capacity in Upper Assam and further expand the organised dairy value chain under the Purabi Dairy brand, benefiting dairy farmers and strengthening the regional dairy economy.

Source: National Dairy Development Board