Patna: With Makar Sankranti just days away, Bihar’s dairy sector is gearing up for a sharp spike in demand, driven by festive traditions and large-scale community feasts. The Patna Dairy Project has stepped up operations in anticipation of a nearly 20% increase in sales compared to last year, officials said.
Operating at full capacity, the project is supplying milk, curd, tilkut and paneer across Patna, Vaishali and Saran districts. According to estimates, curd sales are expected to rise from 8.5 lakh kg last year to about 11 lakh kg this year, translating into revenues of around Rs 9.5 crore, up from nearly Rs 7 crore.
Milk sales are also projected to increase. While 33.5 lakh kg of milk was sold last year, generating about Rs 20 crore, this year’s sales are expected to touch 35–36 lakh kg, with revenues estimated at Rs 22 crore.
Tilkut, a traditional sweet closely associated with the festival, is another key driver. After selling 16,000 kg last year, the Patna Dairy Project has set a target of 20,000 kg this season. Paneer demand is also rising sharply, with sales expected to grow from 28,500 kg last year to around 35,000 kg in 2026.
Rupesh Raj, Managing Director of the Patna Dairy Project (Patna unit), said preparations began well in advance. “Compared to last year, sales are estimated to increase by around 20% in 2026. We started preparations from December 15. Tilkut production has been completed, and milk and curd production is now proceeding at a war footing,” he said.
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Enthusiasm for Makar Sankranti has grown steadily in Bihar over the years. Along with ritual bathing in the Ganga and traditional worship, households prepare dahi-chuda in advance. The rise of political and community feasts organised by major parties during the festival has further fuelled demand for dairy products.
Clarifying supply channels, Raj said the dairy does not sell directly to organisers of political feasts. “All products are routed through our distributors, who help us assess demand and plan sales patterns,” he added.
Overall, the Patna Dairy Project estimates that festival-related business during Makar Sankranti could touch Rs 40 crore, underscoring the growing economic significance of the festival for Bihar’s dairy industry.
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