Since 2019, five dairy companies formed by Self‑Help Groups in Uttar Pradesh have recorded a combined turnover of approximately ₹5,716.26 crore. The enterprises, linked to the Uttar Pradesh Rajya Gramin Ajivika Mission, now draw participation from more than 3.88 lakh women across the state.
Daily, the firms collect about 12.5 lakh litres of milk, processing and marketing it through a network that spans cities such as Chitrakoot, Hamirpur, Jalaun, Jhansi, Lalitpur, Mahoba, Ballia, Chandauli, Ghazipur, Mirzapur, Sant Ravidas Nagar, Sonbhadra, Varanasi, Pratapgarh, Rae Bareli, Sultanpur, Ayodhya, Fatehpur, Amethi, Deoria, Gorakhpur, Kushinagar, Maharajganj, Bareilly, Rampur and many others. Their reach extends to more than 6,500 villages in 31 districts, with further expansion plans under way.
Arun Kumar, director of the Uttar Pradesh State Rural Livelihood Mission, highlighted that women dairy producers are emerging as a new force in the rural economy. By linking SHG members to the full value chain—from livestock rearing to market sales—these companies are boosting household incomes and creating local employment.
Under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's leadership, the Rajya Gramin Ajivika Mission is steering self‑help groups toward entrepreneurship, aiming to provide income‑generating opportunities that reduce migration. Dairy farming, once viewed merely as a household activity, is now a systematic source of revenue, reflected in the growth of women‑run firms.
The ripple effect is evident: increased purchasing power, stronger local businesses, and a more resilient rural economy. As women continue to steer these enterprises, Uttar Pradesh moves closer to its broader economic ambitions, anchored by a thriving dairy sector.
Image for illustration purposes only
📰 Source: Mangalorean News