Bihar bets big on value-added dairy, launches 20 MTPD curd and lassi plant with global ambitions

Patna, July 27: Bihar on Monday signalled its intent to emerge as a stronger player in India's fast-growing dairy industry with the foundation stone laying of a modern 20 metric tonne per day (MTPD) curd and lassi processing plant in Nalanda by Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary. The project marks a significant expansion of COMFED's flagship brand Sudha, aimed at meeting the 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, coming up at the Biharsharif Dairy Project, is expected to substantially enhance Sudha's production capacity for curd and lassi, expand its market footprint, and encourage further investments in dairy processing. It also reinforces Bihar's efforts to build a robust dairy value chain that delivers higher returns to farmers while positioning 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.

'Sudha will emerge as a globally competitive dairy brand': Chief Minister

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, creating new opportunities for employment, value addition and higher incomes for dairy farmers.

He said 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. 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 achievements and growth roadmap

Shirsat Kapil Ashok, IAS, Secretary, Dairy, Fisheries and Animal Resources Department, Government of Bihar, and Managing Director, COMFED (Bihar State Milk Co-operative Federation Ltd.), highlighted the federation's achievements during the first 100 days of the present government.

He said COMFED had facilitated the formation of more than 2,500 new dairy cooperative societies across Bihar, resulting in an increase of over 300,000 litres of milk procurement per day compared to the previous year. The expansion, he said, reflects the federation's continued focus on strengthening grassroots dairy cooperatives and improving incomes for milk producers.

Outlining COMFED's roadmap for the next 100 days, Ashok said the federation would expand initiatives such as Sudha Sakhi and the Prime Minister's Veterinary Medicine Centres, while also implementing key livestock breed improvement projects. These include the proposed establishment of a Semen Station in Lakhisarai and an AITI Centre in Munger, aimed at improving cattle genetics, productivity and the long-term sustainability of Bihar's dairy sector.

To strengthen Sudha's frozen products distribution network, the Chief Minister distributed deep freezers to 300 retailers. He also flagged off a specially designed vehicle for the transportation of sick and infirm livestock.