Assam’s dairy cooperative sector can unlock significant growth through strategic investments in modern processing technologies, cold chain infrastructure and value addition, according to an editorial published by The Sentinel.
The editorial highlights ongoing discussions between Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan (Lalan) Singh on strengthening dairy cooperatives to achieve the state’s ambitious target of 10 lakh litres of daily milk procurement.
Key priorities include establishing Tetra Pak packaging units, milk powder plants, improving livestock productivity, expanding veterinary services and ensuring the availability of animal medicines. The editorial notes that the absence of Tetra Pak and milk powder facilities forces cooperatives to sell liquid milk within 24–48 hours, limiting market reach and price realization.
Tetra Pak technology can extend milk shelf life to three to six months without refrigeration, while milk powder production improves transport efficiency and opens access to distant markets. It also stresses the need for stronger cold chain infrastructure, affordable green fodder and processed cattle feed, as feed accounts for 60–70% of milk production costs, alongside crop insurance to protect fodder cultivation from floods, droughts and elephant depredation.
The editorial concludes that coordinated action by the state government, dairy cooperatives and industry stakeholders will be essential to modernise Assam’s dairy value chain, strengthen rural livelihoods and build a sustainable, technology-driven cooperative dairy sector. (The Sentinel)
Source: Dairynews7x7 6 July, 2026 Read full story here
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