Banas Dairy: A Leader in the Global Dairy Industry

Banas Dairy, headquartered in Palanpur, Gujarat, stands as the largest dairy cooperative in Asia. Under the leadership of Shankar Chaudhary, the cooperative has transformed dairy farming practices and empowered rural communities across eight states.

Financial Indicators

The cooperative boasts an impressive annual turnover exceeding Rs 20,000 crore, underscoring its significant economic influence within the dairy industry.

Important Events

A notable initiative by Banas Dairy is the launch of the Banas Methane Management Program (BMMP), acclaimed as the world’s largest methane reduction program. In collaboration with eVerse.AI, this initiative aims to cut emissions by 30% from 3 million cattle, utilizing advanced AI climate technology.

Company Plans

Looking ahead, Banas Dairy is committed to maintaining its leadership in climate action within the dairy sector. Through the BMMP, the cooperative plans to set new standards for sustainable dairy farming and significantly contribute to global climate change efforts.

Innovation and Empowerment

Banas Dairy's impact extends beyond dairy production. The cooperative has embraced digital systems and initiated a 'sweet revolution,' producing 350 tonnes of honey. By empowering rural women and cattle farmers, Banas Dairy continues to drive innovation and community development in the region.

Achievements in Water Conservation

The cooperative has been honored with the National Water Award in the 'Best Industrial Unit' category, recognizing its substantial efforts in water conservation and management within the Banaskantha district. Banas Dairy has constructed over 325 ponds and more than 30,000 soak pits, effectively aiding in groundwater recharge in Gujarat's water-scarce regions. Chairman Shankar Chaudhary highlighted the implementation of advanced water recycling systems at the dairy's processing facilities.

Collaborations and Contributions

Banas Dairy is a key participant in the biogas plant project, collaborating in the development of the Banas Suzuki Biogas Plant. Additionally, it receives approximately 2,000 litres of milk each day from the Harsiddhnagar cooperative. The Banaskantha District Co-operative Milk Producers’ Union is a significant part of Banas Dairy's operations. Banas Dairy procures more than 10 million litres of milk daily and transfers payments directly to 198,000 female suppliers.

As a major cooperative in Gujarat, Banas Dairy is linked to the Banaskantha District Cooperative Milk Producers’ Union Limited, described as Asia’s largest dairy cooperative union and a flagship member of the Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation, associated with the Amul network. Recently, Banas Dairy, located in Palanpur, Gujarat, was visited by a Kerala delegation to study its milk processing and dairy-product manufacturing.

Focus on Dairy Productivity

Shankar Chaudhary, chairman of Banas Dairy, emphasizes raising the productivity of indigenous breeds and obtaining more milk from fewer animals. Banas Dairy projects worth 4.0756 billion rupees in Gujarat include the development of an integrated production system covering the development of plantlets in test tubes, cultivation of seed crops in fields, refrigerated storage and delivery to retailers. It is India’s only cooperative organisation operating a system that encompasses all these stages.

Banas Dairy commissioned the Bharat Bovine Breeding and Research Centre, formally known as the Banaskantha District Co-operative Milk Producers’ Union, to improve livestock breeding and dairy productivity. It is part of Gujarat's system for linking rural producers with organised dairy markets and is involved in breed development, productivity, and cooperative networks. Proposed two Bio-CNG facilities to process cattle dung and agricultural residues.