Assam: Purabi Dairy, the largest dairy cooperative in Northeast India, recently celebrated the Pre-Magh Bihu festival at its Panjabari processing plant in Assam. This event marked a year of remarkable growth for the cooperative, highlighting increased milk procurement, a rise in farmer participation, and an expanded market presence across the region. The celebration was a festive reflection of Purabi’s commitment to supporting Assam’s rural economy and strengthening its local dairy ecosystem.
Rising Milk Production and Expanding Farmer Network
According to officials from the West Assam Milk Producers’ Cooperative Union Ltd (WAMUL), Purabi Dairy has seen a significant increase in milk production and procurement over the past year. This growth is accompanied by a steady rise in the number of Dairy Cooperative Societies (DCS) within its network. Efforts to strengthen the organized dairy system in Upper Assam have brought many more farmers into the cooperative fold. This inclusion has not only ensured stable incomes for these farmers but has also laid a strong foundation for sustainable livelihoods at the grassroots level.
WAMUL’s Managing Director, Sameer Kumar Parida, emphasized that Purabi Dairy focuses on farmer-centric growth by improving procurement systems, broadening cooperative membership, and enhancing market access. These initiatives are helping transform dairy farming into a reliable source of income for thousands of rural families in Assam, providing both economic stability and empowerment.
Product Innovation and Wider Distribution
Over the last year, Purabi Dairy has diversified its product range to include traditional Indian sweets, which have received a warm response from consumers. The demand for value-added products such as flavored milk and ice cream has remained consistently strong. Additionally, Purabi’s introduction of longer shelf-life products like UHT (Ultra High Temperature) milk has allowed the cooperative to reach distant markets beyond Assam.
Purabi’s distribution network has expanded significantly, improving the availability of its products across a broader geographic area. In Guwahati, new Purabi Milk Booths were launched in partnership with the Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC) and the Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA). These initiatives have strengthened last-mile delivery and encouraged local entrepreneurship, making fresh dairy products more accessible to consumers.
Future Plans and Community Commitment
Looking forward, Purabi Dairy is preparing for further infrastructure expansion with plans to set up new milk processing plants in Silchar, Jorhat, and Dibrugarh. These facilities aim to boost local milk procurement, reduce transportation costs, and foster region-specific dairy development in the Barak Valley and Upper Assam.
During the Pre-Magh Bihu celebration, traditional Assamese dishes made with Purabi dairy products were served, accompanied by cultural performances that captured the festive spirit of the harvest season. This event underscored Purabi Dairy’s dedication to building a self-reliant dairy ecosystem. Their ongoing support to farmers includes assured milk procurement, timely payments, capacity building, and technical assistance—all aimed at enhancing productivity and ensuring income stability for Assam’s dairy farming community.
