Amit Shah, Union Home Minister, laid the foundation stone for a 10,000-litre-per-day dairy plant in Kargil and launched multiple dairy development initiatives for Ladakh through virtual mode.
The initiatives, introduced under the leadership of Narendra Modi, include mobile milk testing laboratories, modern milk cooling systems, and strengthened dairy infrastructure aimed at enhancing self-reliance in the region.
A modern dairy processing plant with a capacity of 10,000 litres per day is being established at an estimated cost of ₹25 crore by Indian Dairy Machinery Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB). The project is being implemented under the National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD) of the Union Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying.
Funding includes a grant of ₹12.74 crore under NPDD, ₹10 crore support from NDDF, and the remaining amount through LUTDCF funds routed via the Himachal Pradesh administration.
The facility will operate on a 350-kilowatt solar power system, ensuring sustainable and eco-friendly operations in the high-altitude region. A Mobile Milk Collection and Cooling System will also be deployed to procure milk directly from farmers while maintaining quality standards.
These initiatives are part of a broader effort to modernise Ladakh’s dairy sector, enhance farmer incomes, and improve transparency in procurement. Measures include addressing power challenges, streamlining milk collection, and ensuring timely digital payments.
A steady supply arrangement with the Indian Army has further strengthened the sector by providing a reliable market for dairy producers.
Digital reforms such as AI-based monitoring, mobile collection units, and climate-adapted cooling solutions have been introduced to improve efficiency and quality. The impact is already visible, with the farmer network expanding from 74 to around 1,700, daily milk collection reaching nearly 7,000 litres, and cumulative payments exceeding ₹15 crore.
The upcoming solar-powered plant is expected to benefit thousands of farmers by boosting incomes and strengthening local value chains. Additional steps, including mobile labs, cold chain expansion, and automated milk collection systems, are being implemented to enhance operational efficiency.
Value-added dairy products such as paneer and curd are also being promoted, alongside partnerships with brands like Mother Dairy, Safal, and Dhara to ensure quality supply in Ladakh.
Officials highlighted the initiative as a comprehensive rural development model focused on cooperative growth, income stability, and improved livelihoods, contributing to the vision of a self-reliant Ladakh and the broader goal of Atmanirbhar Bharat.