Udaipur headquartered Asha Mahila Milk Producer Organization won the International Dairy Federation’s (IDF) prestigious ‘Dairy Innovation Award’ in Paris on October 24, 2024. The award was handed over to them for their initiative in the sustainable processing of milk.
Lauding Asha Mahila MPO’s innovation, Dr. Meenesh Shah, Chairman NDDB and NDDB Dairy Services who was present on the occasion said, “It is heartening to see a women-led organization winning a prestigious award. Not only does it augur well for India’s mission of becoming ‘Dairy to the World’, but also strengthens the central government’s resolve toward empowering women. Incidentally, this is the second consecutive win by an all-women Producer-owned enterprise after last year’s win by Shreeja Milk Producer Organization which is based out of Tirupati.”
India’s unique smallholder system poses significant logistical challenges due to our climate and unreliable electricity supply which impacts quality of milk. This innovative chiller cools 250 litres of milk per hour using a unique thermodynamic design that maximizes heat transfer while minimizing energy consumption. The innovation also supports hygiene and safety standards by using hot water (a byproduct) for cleaning ensuring compliance with food safety regulations while also conserving groundwater. The power is sourced from rooftop solar panels.
In addition to ensuring milk quality, it is also promoting sustainable practices by utilizing renewable energy sources and reducing dependence on conventional sources of energy, contributing to India's climate change commitments.
Narsa Kunwar, Chairperson, Asha Mahila Milk Producer Organization shared her journey towards empowerment and financial independence with the participants and highlighted how her and the lives of 40,000 other women dairy farmer members has changed since they became members of Asha MPO.
It is worth noting that Asha Mahila Milk Producer Organization was set up in 2016 with financial assistance from Tata Trust’s promoted DHANII and receives technical assistance from NDDB Dairy Services (a wholly owned not-for-profit subsidiary of the National Dairy Development Board). Its 40,000 plus women dairy farmer members together pour over a lakh litres per day collected from nine hundred villages in nine districts of Rajasthan.
