Bihar bets big on value-added dairy, launches 20 MTPD curd and lassi plant in Nalanda
Bihar laid the foundation stone for a modern 20 metric tonne per day curd and lassi processing plant in Nalanda, on Monday. This marks a significant step in the state’s ambition to emerge as a stronger player in India’s fast-growing dairy industry.Chief minister Samrat Choudhary laid the foundation for the facility at the Biharsharif Dairy Project, which is expected to substantially enhance the production capacity of COMFED’s flagship brand Sudha. The expansion aims to meet rising demand for value-added dairy products while preparing the brand to compete in global markets as India strengthens its position as the world’s largest milk producer.The new facility is expected to encourage further investments in dairy processing, reinforce Bihar’s efforts to build a robust dairy value chain, and deliver higher returns to farmers. It also positions the state to capitalise on India’s growing competitive advantage in the global dairy sector.The expansion is closely aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Sahkar Se Samriddhi’ (Prosperity through Cooperation) and the objectives of White Revolution 2.0, launched by Union home and cooperation minister Amit Shah. As India seeks to strengthen its dairy cooperative movement and enhance the global footprint of Indian dairy products, Sudha is steadily evolving from a trusted regional brand into a nationally respected and globally competitive dairy brand. Towards this objective, COMFED is expanding village-level dairy cooperative societies, increasing milk procurement, and promoting greater participation of women in the dairy economy.Addressing the gathering, chief minister Choudhary commended COMFED and Bihar’s dairy cooperatives for their contribution to the state’s rural economy and expressed confidence that Sudha would evolve into a globally competitive dairy brand. “Sudha represents much more than a dairy brand. It is the backbone of the livelihoods, self-reliance and aspirations of millions of dairy farmers across Bihar,” he said.Through its extensive cooperative network, Sudha has ensured that producers receive fair remuneration while strengthening the rural economy and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities.COMFED outlines expansion roadmapShirsat Kapil Ashok, Managing Director of COMFED, highlighted the federation’s achievements during the first 100 days of the present government, including the formation of more than 2,500 new dairy cooperative societies across Bihar. This has resulted in an increase of over 300,000 litres of milk procurement per day compared to the previous year.Outlining the roadmap for the next 100 days, Ashok said COMFED would expand initiatives such as Sudha Sakhi and the Prime Minister’s Veterinary Medicine Centres, while implementing key livestock breed improvement projects. These include a proposed Semen Station in Lakhisarai and an AITI Centre in Munger, aimed at improving cattle genetics and productivity.The chief minister distributed deep freezers to 300 retailers to strengthen Sudha’s frozen products distribution network and flagged off a specially designed vehicle for transporting sick and infirm livestock.
