GUJARAT, MAY 18, 2026: In a significant step towards strengthening the cooperative dairy ecosystem, Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah inaugurated a state-of-the-art, fully automated milk processing and packaging plant at Dashela village in Gandhinagar district.
Spread across 15 acres and developed at an estimated investment of ₹128 crore, the facility has an initial processing capacity of 2.5 lakh litres of milk per day, with provisions for scaling up to 5 lakh litres in the future. The project is expected to enhance milk procurement, improve processing efficiency, and provide better returns to dairy farmers and livestock rearers in the region.
Addressing the gathering, the Union Minister highlighted that the new plant represents a progressive milestone in the evolution of Gujarat’s cooperative dairy movement. He emphasized that such initiatives would not only modernize infrastructure but also ensure sustainable income opportunities for rural households engaged in dairy farming.
Recalling the rich legacy of the cooperative movement, he noted that Gujarat’s success in dairy development is deeply rooted in the visionary efforts of leaders like Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Tribhuvandas Patel, and Verghese Kurien. He remarked that institutions like Madhur Dairy have grown from small grassroots initiatives into robust organizations contributing significantly to the rural economy.
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, who attended the event, reiterated the importance of cooperation as a cornerstone of Gujarat’s development. He stated that the vision of Narendra Modi, centered on “Sahkar Se Samruddhi,” continues to guide the expansion of cooperative institutions across the state.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the remarkable growth of Madhur Dairy, which began decades ago with a handful of cooperative societies and has since evolved into a key player in milk collection, processing, and distribution. He noted the strong consumer connect built by the dairy, supported by an extensive distribution network and active member participation.
The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from dairy farmers, livestock rearers, and cooperative members, including a large number of women beneficiaries, reflecting the inclusive nature of the cooperative model.
Senior dignitaries, cooperative leaders, and representatives from various dairy and agricultural institutions were also present on the
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