Global healthcare company Abbott, in partnership with TechnoServe India, has launched Project Ksheersagar to strengthen India’s local milk supply chain and empower small dairy farmers.
The initiative has helped 12,000 farmers raise milk yields by 55% while cutting veterinary costs by 60%.
Operating across Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, the project has already reached more than 12,000 dairy farmers, building capacity in animal husbandry, feed management, and financial literacy.
To improve milk quality and reduce spoilage, Abbott has also established 130 village-level milk collection centers equipped with chilling infrastructure. These hubs are helping ensure that farmers’ milk reaches markets faster and retains better quality standards.
According to project estimates, milk productivity has increased by about 55%, while veterinary costs have dropped by nearly 60% among participating farmers. Abbott plans to source up to 60% of its milk powder needs from this farmer network, moving toward greater self-reliance and traceability in raw milk sourcing.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Abbott’s Project Ksheersagar (India)
| Parameter | Details / Outcomes | Source / Context |
|---|---|---|
| Implementing partners | Abbott (Global Nutrition) & TechnoServe India | Public-private partnership model |
| States covered | Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu | Southern and western India pilot clusters |
| Farmers engaged | 12,000+ small & marginal dairy farmers | Focus on women-led households |
| Milk yield improvement | +55% average increase per farmer | Based on internal program data |
| Reduction in veterinary costs | ~60% lower treatment expenses | Improved animal health & preventive care |
| Village collection centers established | 130 centers with chilling infrastructure | Reduces spoilage and improves quality |
| Local sourcing target | 60% of Abbott’s milk powder needs from project farmers | Strengthens domestic supply chain |
| Training focus areas | Feed management, animal health, farm hygiene, financial literacy | Comprehensive capacity building |
| Project model | Shared value initiative (business + social impact) | Integrated sustainable sourcing approach |
| Scale-up potential | High – adaptable to other states with strong dairy presence | Dependent on validation and cost efficiency |
Key Takeaway:
Project Ksheersagar demonstrates how corporate–community partnerships can enhance productivity, milk quality, and farmer income — aligning global nutrition goals with India’s rural development and sustainable sourcing ambitions.
Industry Insight:
Project Ksheersagar marks a significant step in corporate-led sustainable sourcing — shifting the model from transactional milk purchase to partnership-based rural development.
By improving productivity and lowering farm losses, Abbott is linking nutrition goals with farmer prosperity — a model that other food and nutrition companies could replicate. The creation of local chilling and collection infrastructure also supports India’s broader dairy vision of quality, safety, and inclusion.
However, the initiative’s long-term impact will depend on the scalability of these results across diverse agro-climatic zones and independent validation of productivity and cost data.
If sustained, Project Ksheersagar could stand out as a case study in how global nutrition companies can strengthen rural dairy ecosystems while ensuring secure, high-quality local sourcing.
Source : DAirynews7x7 Oct 17th 2025