Nalanda, Bihar: Bihar took another significant step toward strengthening its dairy sector on Monday with the foundation stone being laid for a modern 20 metric tonnes per day (MTPD) curd and lassi processing plant at the Biharsharif Dairy Project in Nalanda district.
The facility, which will operate under the umbrella of the Bihar State Cooperative Milk Producers’ Federation (COMFED), is expected to enhance the production capacity of the federation’s flagship dairy brand, Sudha, while supporting farmer incomes, employment generation, and value addition in the state’s dairy economy.
The foundation stone was laid by Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, who described Sudha as a symbol of rural prosperity and self-reliance for millions of dairy farmers across Bihar.
“Sudha represents much more than a dairy brand. It is the backbone of the livelihoods, self-reliance and aspirations of millions of dairy farmers across Bihar,” Choudhary said.
The new processing facility comes at a time when demand for value-added dairy products such as curd, lassi, yogurt, and flavored beverages continues to rise across India.
Boost for Sudha Brand
Bihar State Cooperative Milk Producers’ Federation, which markets its products under the Sudha brand, has emerged as one of eastern India’s leading dairy cooperatives.
Officials said the Nalanda expansion is expected to:
- Increase production of curd and lassi.
- Strengthen Bihar’s dairy processing infrastructure.
- Improve returns for dairy farmers.
- Create direct and indirect employment opportunities.
- Support Sudha’s expansion into national and international markets.
The project is aligned with the Centre’s broader vision of “Sahkar Se Samriddhi” (Prosperity through Cooperation) and the White Revolution 2.0 initiative aimed at strengthening India’s cooperative dairy ecosystem.
Choudhary said the govt was equally concerned about animal welfare. Animal lifting vehicles would help provide quick treatment to accident-hit animals, while Prime Minister Pashu Jan Aushadhi Kendras would be opened in every block to supply affordable, quality veterinary medicines. A total of 1,000 such centres will be established across blocks.
The federation also outlined an ambitious roadmap for the coming months, which includes:
- Expansion of the Sudha Sakhi program.
- Establishment of Prime Minister’s Veterinary Medicine Centres.
- Development of a Semen Station in Lakhisarai.
- Setting up an AITI Centre in Munger for livestock improvement initiatives.
Officials said these projects are intended to enhance cattle genetics, improve milk productivity, and strengthen veterinary support services across the state.
Support for Farmers and Retailers
As part of the event, the Deputy Chief Minister distributed deep freezers to 300 retailers to strengthen the cold-chain infrastructure for Sudha’s frozen products business.
He also flagged off a specially designed vehicle equipped to transport sick and infirm livestock, highlighting the government’s focus on animal welfare and veterinary services.
Industry experts believe Bihar is increasingly positioning itself as an important player in India’s dairy landscape, driven by cooperative expansion, investments in processing capacity, and growing participation from rural households—particularly women—in dairy farming.
Building Bihar’s Dairy Future
Choudhary said Bihar accounts for 25% of India’s total milk production. Comfed plans to open 200 new Sudha outlets, with locations identified for 88 of them. Rural haats will be set up on available govt land in all villages for selling milk, vegetables and fish.
Speaking on the occasion, Shirsat Kapil Ashok, Managing Director of COMFED, highlighted the organization’s recent achievements, noting that more than 2,500 new village-level dairy cooperative societies have been established during the first 100 days of the present government.
According to COMFED, these additions have contributed to an increase of over 300,000 litres of milk procurement per day compared to the corresponding period last year.
Observers note that investments in products such as curd and lassi are particularly significant, given changing consumer preferences and the higher margins associated with value-added dairy categories.
With the Nalanda project, Bihar is not only expanding its dairy infrastructure but also reinforcing its long-term strategy of linking farmer prosperity with cooperative growth.
For thousands of dairy producers across the state, the message is clear: Bihar’s dairy story is moving beyond milk collection and toward value addition, employment generation, and a larger role in India’s evolving dairy economy.
Join Our “Dairy & Food Jobs Updates” WhatsApp group
Follow the Agri Jobs Updates channel on WhatsApp:
Disclaimer
I do my best to share reliable and well-researched insights but occasional errors or omissions may slip through. Please view all content as informational.
Stay informed on all the latest news updates
All Agriculture Books Free Download
All Dairy Technology Books Free Download
All Agricultural Engineering Books Free download
All Horticulture Books Free Download
All Fisheries Science Books Free Download
For Daily Update follow us at:
Facebook Telegram Whatsapp Instagram YouTube
The contents are provided free for noncommercial purpose such as teaching, training, research, extension and self learning.
If you are facing any Problem than fill form Contact Us
If you want share any article related Agriculture with us than send at info@agrimoon.com with your contact detail.
