The modern facility in Byadgi taluk is entering its final commissioning stage, with plans to double daily milk procurement and expand value-added dairy production.
Haveri Milk Union (Havemul) in Karnataka is preparing to bring its new ₹73 crore mega dairy into operation, marking a significant step towards strengthening milk processing infrastructure in the district. Located near Arabagonda village in Byadgi taluk, the facility has completed its main construction work, while machinery trials and technical inspections are underway ahead of its formal inauguration.
The facility has been equipped with modern systems for milk collection, processing and packaging, along with infrastructure for manufacturing a range of value-added dairy products. Once fully operational, the plant is expected to improve the union’s ability to handle milk from local producers and expand the range of products available to consumers.
Havemul currently collects approximately one lakh litres of milk daily from producers across Ranebennur, Haveri, Byadgi, Hangal, Hirekerur and Rattihalli taluks. The union aims to increase daily procurement to two lakh litres in the coming years by expanding its network of milk producers and strengthening collection operations.
The expansion is expected to create more reliable market opportunities for small and medium-scale dairy farmers. Better processing infrastructure can help the union manage growing milk volumes, improve distribution and support rural households that depend on dairy farming as a source of income. Women involved in milk production are also expected to benefit from a stronger local dairy network.
In addition to packaged milk, the new plant is expected to produce curd, buttermilk, paneer, ghee, butter, khova, peda, Mysore pak and other dairy-based sweets. Production volumes will be planned according to local market demand, while surplus products are expected to be marketed through the Dharwad Milk Union under the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF). This approach could help Havemul reach customers beyond Haveri district and broaden its product distribution network.
The project was initially supported by a ₹70 crore government grant, with its foundation stone laid in March 2023. Of the funding, ₹65 crore was released initially, followed by another ₹5 crore in March 2026. Havemul contributed an additional ₹3 crore from its own funds to complete the remaining work, according to union president Manjanagouda Patil.
Although construction is complete, the inauguration date remains to be finalised following discussions with the Karnataka chief minister. The election code of conduct for the West Graduates’ Constituency had delayed the scheduling process, while equipment testing and inspections continued. Once operational, the mega dairy is expected to strengthen milk procurement, support value addition and create new commercial opportunities for Karnataka’s dairy sector.