Gujarat’s Dairy Sector Flourishes: 3.6 Million Farmers Benefit from Rs 200 Crore Daily

The dairy sector in Gujarat has emerged as a symbol of triumph, as 3.6 million milk producers are now receiving a daily sum of Rs 200 crore through the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF). This achievement stands as a pivotal moment in the state's economic narrative. Authorities have emphasized the industry's rapid expansion, underlining that it currently bolsters Gujarat's economy with a monumental Rs 1 trillion contribution.

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel expressed enthusiasm for the 10th edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit scheduled between January 10 and 12 in Gandhinagar. He emphasized that the summit would serve as a platform to showcase Gujarat's remarkable progress in agriculture, horticulture, and animal husbandry.

A government statement elaborated on the state's growth trajectory in agriculture-related sectors, attributing it to a blend of natural farming practices and cutting-edge technologies. CM Patel, at a recent function, highlighted this holistic approach, underlining its role in enhancing Gujarat's global recognition in the dairy sector while fortifying the state's circular economy.

The GCMMF, marketing dairy products under the globally acclaimed Amul brand, stands as a testament to the relentless dedication of millions of dairy farmers, according to a government release. R S Sodhi, president of the Indian Dairy Association and former managing director of GCMMF, cited Amul's extraordinary growth from 3 million to 27 million litres in 27 years, representing a nine-fold increase in organized dairy procurement from Gujarat.

Sodhi further emphasized that while the country's milk production had tripled, Gujarat's dairy farmers experienced a nine-fold leap, contributing nearly Rs 160 crore to the state's rural economy.

Dairy farmers echoed the sentiment that the Vibrant Gujarat summit significantly boosted their sector and prosperity. Sobhraj Rabari, a milk producer from Anand district, credited the summit, initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for facilitating their growth. Starting with two cows, Rabari's family now manages 35, supplying 2,000 litres of milk monthly, generating an income of Rs 1.10 lakh.

Similarly, Jayesh Patel, from Anand's Borsad taluka, expanded his family's small-scale animal husbandry using scientific methods and education. Maintaining a herd of 10 to 12 cows, he ensures their proper nutrition and productivity while adopting natural farming practices by utilizing cow dung and urine as fertilizers and pesticides.

Expressing the summit's significance, Jayesh Patel highlighted its role in offering invaluable opportunities for growth and learning, emphasizing its consistent contribution to his success in the dairy sector. As Gujarat gears up for the Vibrant Summit 2024, Patel and numerous others anticipate leveraging the summit's advantages to further enhance their agricultural endeavors.