In a significant push towards strengthening dairy infrastructure in high-altitude regions, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday laid the foundation stone for a 10,000 litres per day (LPD) dairy processing plant in Kargil, marking a major step in transforming Ladakh’s dairy sector.
Project Backed by National Dairy Mission
The project is being implemented under the National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD) of the Union Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, with a grant of ₹12.74 crore.
The plant, with an estimated cost of ₹25 crore, is being developed by Indian Dairy Machinery Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of the National Dairy Development Board.
Additional funding includes:
- ₹10 crore assistance from NDDF
- Remaining support through LUTDCF funds routed via Himachal Pradesh administration
Solar-Powered, Climate-Smart Dairy Infrastructure
Designed specifically for Ladakh’s harsh terrain, the facility will run on a 350-kilowatt solar energy system, ensuring:
- Sustainable operations
- Reduced dependency on unreliable grid power
- Lower environmental impact
To further strengthen the supply chain, mobile milk collection and cooling systems will be deployed to directly procure milk from farmers while preserving quality.
Tech-Driven Dairy Transformation
Officials highlighted several modern interventions:
- AI-based monitoring systems
- Automated Milk Collection Systems (AMCS)
- Mobile milk testing laboratories
- Climate-resilient cold chain infrastructure
These measures aim to ensure transparency, quality control, and timely digital payments to farmers.
Expanding Farmer Network & Income Growth
The impact is already visible:
- Farmer participation has grown from 74 to around 1,700
- Daily milk collection has reached 7,000 litres
- Total payments to farmers have crossed ₹15 crore
A stable demand pipeline has also been secured through milk supply arrangements with the Indian Army, ensuring consistent market access in the region.
Value Addition & Market Linkages
The initiative also focuses on value-added dairy products like paneer and curd, alongside partnerships with major brands such as:
- Mother Dairy
- Safal
- Dhara
These collaborations aim to improve product availability and quality for consumers in Ladakh.
Towards a Self-Reliant Ladakh
Launched under the leadership of Narendra Modi, the initiative aligns with the broader vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, focusing on:
- Cooperative-led growth
- Income stability for farmers
- Rural development in remote regions
With its combination of clean energy, digital systems, and market integration, the Kargil dairy project is being seen as a model for sustainable dairy development in challenging geographies.
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