Sudha Dairy's New Plant in Gaya to Boost Bihar's Dairy Sector

Sudha Dairy, a part of the Bihar State Milk Cooperative Federation (COMFED), is advancing with the construction of a new greenfield dairy processing plant in Gaya, Bihar. The investment of ₹50.27 crore in this facility is expected to significantly impact milk procurement and processing capabilities in the region. Currently, the existing plant in Gaya handles only 60,000 litres per day, which limits the region's ability to manage surplus milk during peak seasons.

The new facility, located in Bhindas village, Wazirganj block, will triple the processing capacity to 2 lakh litres per day. This expansion is crucial for addressing the current bottleneck in milk procurement and handling. Additionally, the plant will include a dedicated milk powder unit, providing a buffer against seasonal fluctuations by converting excess milk into storable products.

The plant will not only process liquid milk but also manufacture paneer, curd, lassi, peda, gulab jamun, and milk powder. This diversification into higher-margin dairy products is expected to enhance income stability for farmers in the region. The initiative aligns with national policy goals of doubling farmer incomes through market organization and value-chain integration.

The project is also set to generate rural employment. It will provide direct jobs in processing, logistics, and quality control, as well as indirect opportunities in milk collection, transport, and packaging. For the rural youth around Gaya, the plant offers non-farm livelihood options closely tied to the agricultural economy.

This investment reinforces Bihar's strategy to transition from being a milk-deficient state to a value-driven dairy producer. The strengthened cooperative infrastructure and product diversification position Sudha Dairy to compete more effectively with private dairies and expand its reach across eastern India.