10,000-litre-per-day facility, solar-powered operations and digital reforms aim to boost farmer incomes and strengthen dairy infrastructure in the Union Territory
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday initiated a major push to strengthen Ladakh’s dairy sector, virtually introduced multiple development measures and marking the start of construction for a new dairy processing unit in Kargil, officials said. The upcoming facility will have a daily processing capacity of 10,000 litres and is being developed at a cost of Rs 25 crore. It is being executed by the Indian Dairy Machinery Company, which operates under the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB).
Officials said the broader set of initiatives rolled out under the guidance of Narendra Modi, focuses on improving dairy infrastructure across the Union Territory. These include deployment of mobile milk testing units, expansion of chilling systems, and upgrades aimed at building a more resilient and self-sufficient ecosystem.
The project is being funded through a mix of sources under the National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD). This includes Rs 12.74 crore in grant support, Rs 10 crore from NDDF, and additional funding routed through LUTDCF with administrative support from Himachal Pradesh, officials added.
Designed for Ladakh’s terrain, the plant will operate using a 350-kilowatt solar-based system to ensure sustainable energy use in high-altitude conditions.
To improve procurement efficiency, authorities plan to roll out a Mobile Milk Collection and Cooling System, enabling direct sourcing from farmers while preserving milk quality and reducing logistical gaps.
Officials noted that the effort is part of a wider strategy to modernise dairy operations in the region, boost farmer earnings, and make procurement systems more transparent. Steps have also been taken to address electricity constraints, streamline supply chains, and enable timely digital payments.
A key enabler has been the establishment of consistent milk procurement arrangements with the Indian Army, which has helped create a dependable demand base for local producers. Technology integration is another focus area, with AI-led monitoring, mobile collection platforms, and climate-adapted cooling solutions being introduced to maintain standards and improve traceability.
According to officials, early results indicate strong traction. The farmer base has expanded significantly, from just 74 participants in one village to nearly 1,700 across the region. Daily milk collection has climbed to about 7,000 litres, and cumulative payouts to farmers have exceeded Rs 15 crore.
Once operational, the new solar-powered plant is expected to widen income opportunities for thousands of farmers while strengthening local agricultural value chains.
Additional interventions, such as expanding cold chain networks, deploying mobile testing labs, and introducing digital Automated Milk Collection Systems (AMCS), are also in progress to enhance efficiency.
Authorities are also encouraging production of value-added items like paneer and curd, alongside partnerships with brands including Mother Dairy, Safal, and Dhara to ensure availability of quality dairy products in the region.
The programme also recognised high-performing farmers, aimed at driving greater participation within the cooperative framework. Officials described the initiative as a comprehensive model for rural development, centred on cooperative growth, stable incomes, and improved livelihoods, aligned with the broader goal of building a self-reliant Ladakh.
