Purabi Dairy launches a 20,000 LPD milk processing facility in Silchar, expanding operations into the Barak Valley.
West Assam Milk Producers’ Co-operative Union Ltd (WAMUL), which sells dairy products under the Purabi brand, has officially started operations in Assam’s Barak Valley region with the commissioning of a modernised milk processing facility in Silchar.
The upgraded plant, located at Gungoor in Cachar district, was inaugurated by Assam’s Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Minister, Krishnendu Paul. The launch marks the entry of organised cooperative dairy operations into the Barak Valley.
The renovation and modernisation of the plant were completed in under 10 months by IDMC Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB). With the plant now operational, consumers in Silchar and nearby areas will have access to hygienically processed and packaged fresh milk under the Purabi label, helping bridge the long-standing shortage of quality milk in the region.
WAMUL will introduce “Purabi Plus” milk in 250 ml and 500 ml pouch packs, priced at Rs 18 and Rs 35 respectively. In addition to milk, the company will supply a range of dairy products including sweet curd, plain curd, lassi, paneer, ghee, ice cream, flavoured milk and honey across southern Assam.
NDDB Chairman Meenesh Shah stated that the new processing unit is expected to support the formation of a strong producer network in Barak Valley, improving milk procurement systems and benefiting local dairy farmers.
The renovation project involved an investment of Rs 10 crore by North East Dairy and Foods Ltd (NEDFL), with financial backing from NDDB and the Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF). NDDB also extended Rs 2 crore as initial capital to support procurement activities through NDDB Dairy Services (NDS).
The Silchar facility originally belonged to the state’s Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department and had remained non-operational for several years. Under the Assam Dairy Development Plan, the Government of Assam transferred the unit to NEDFL for renovation, modernisation and operational revival.
The upgraded plant now has a processing capacity of 20,000 litres per day. With this addition, WAMUL operates three dairy plants in Assam — Guwahati (1.5 lakh litres per day), Dhemaji (10,000 litres per day), and Silchar (20,000 litres per day).
News Courtesy : The Assam Tribune