AB BUREAU, MORIGAON
In the serene landscapes of Assam, dairy farming is revolutionizing livelihoods, offering financial independence and community empowerment. Across the districts of Barpeta, Bajali, Nalbari, Hojai, Morigaon, and beyond, stories of transformation underscore the pivotal role of the State Government and dairy cooperatives in advancing progressive farming practices.
A few years back, Dimendra Saikia, a traditional dairy farmer from Lukakuchi in Morigaon district, faced significant challenges in sustaining his livelihood. Initially selling milk from his single cow at the local market, Saikia expanded his production by acquiring a Jersey cow. However, the increased milk yield did not result in higher income. With inconsistent demand and market saturation, Saikia often sold milk at very low prices, causing financial strain for his family.
The breakthrough came when Purabi Dairy helped him and others like him establish a cooperative society called Gyanjyoti Dugdha Utpadak Samabai Samity (DUSS) in the region. This initiative allowed Saikia to sell his milk directly to the cooperative without worrying about fluctuating market demand. “Now, I can easily go to the centre and place my entire milk output there. I need not wait for hours trying to find customers,” he told this reporter.
Saikia now supplies 95-100 litres of milk daily. The cooperative has also provided extensive support, including disease management for livestock, proper feed and nutrition information, healthcare guidance, and modern farming techniques such as artificial insemination and sex-sorted semen.
Abdul Awal Hoque from Gelabil, Barpeta, exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit driving change in rural Assam. Determined to create a thriving dairy farm, Hoque questions the need for young people to leave their homeland for menial jobs in outside cities. “Why go outside the State when you can earn ₹20,000-25,000 per month at home through dairy farming?” he asserts.
Starting with small-scale operations using local breeds, Hoque transitioned to Holstein Friesian cows with support from Purabi Dairy. This shift enabled him to focus on improving milk yield and farm infrastructure. By leveraging modern equipment like chaff cutters and silage-making tools provided by Purabi Dairy, Hoque aims to scale his farm to 20 cows, showcasing his unwavering determination to modernize rural agriculture.
For Chandan Das of Dhunuhar Basti in Hojai, dairy farming has been a lifeline. Beginning with six cows in 2018, his farm now houses 30-32 cows, producing 120 liters of milk daily. Das credits his success to Purabi Dairy, which ensured a reliable market for his milk even during the uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Declared a model farm by Purabi Dairy, Das’s operations benefit from innovations like a biogas plant, electric water pumps, and dual-powered milking machines. These advancements not only enhance efficiency but also reduce costs. Looking ahead, Das plans to adopt solar electrification to further sustain his farm and inspire others to embrace dairy farming as a viable livelihood.
For Junuma Mali from Niz Dandua, Morigaon, the year 2024 was a year of pride and fulfilment. Junuma, a dairy farmer, won the prestigious National Gopal Ratna Award 2024 for excellence in dairy farming on November 26. She is an inspiring figure for women aspiring to balance entrepreneurship and family responsibilities. Starting in 2015 with a single cow, Junuma expanded her dairy operations after partnering with Purabi Dairy in 2019. Today, her farm boasts 12 cows, including high-yield breeds like Holstein Friesian and Jersey, producing up to 60 litres of milk daily.
The transformative impact of cooperative dairying is best summarized by WAMUL Managing Director Sameer Kumar Parida. “Our mission has always been to empower farmers by providing a reliable market and access to modern farming techniques. By supporting their growth and aspirations, we are not just enhancing incomes but also building sustainable communities,” he told this newsletter.
Purabi Dairy is playing a crucial role towards fulfilling the dream of Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma to produce 10 lakh litres of milk per day. The dairy cooperative is opening newer markets for Assam’s dairy farmers by diversifying its product portfolio to include items like ice cream, flavoured milk, lassi, curd, paneer, and other value-added dairy products.
