Editorial Note:
At Dairy Dimension, we are committed to accurate reporting for the dairy fraternity. A previous update on the GCMMF leadership transition contained incorrect details. We sincerely thank our vigilant readers for bringing this to our attention and helping us maintain the highest standards of credibility. Below is the correct and verified update on this significant leadership transition at India’s premier dairy federation.
Leadership Change at GCMMF: New Chairman and Vice Chairman Elected Unanimously
Anand, Gujarat | 22 July 2025 — In a significant leadership development within India’s dairy cooperative landscape, Ashok Chaudhary, Chairman of Dudhsagar Dairy, has been unanimously elected as the Chairman of Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF) — the apex marketing body behind the iconic Amul brand. He succeeds Shamalbhai B. Patel, while Gordhan Dhameliya, Chairman of the Rajkot District Coop Producers’ Union, has been elected Vice Chairman, succeeding Valamji Humbal.
Their unanimous election upholds GCMMF’s tradition of electing leadership through consensus — a hallmark of Gujarat’s cooperative model.
Profiles of the New Leadership
Ashok Chaudhary (55)
- Chairman, Dudhsagar Dairy since 2021
- Mechanical Engineer and seasoned cooperative leader from Visnagar, Mehsana
- Holds significant political experience: Former President of Mehsana Municipality, Former BJP General Secretary of Mehsana
- Elected Director of Dudhsagar Dairy in 2015
- Known for his close associations with Union Minister Amit Shah and Gujarat Minister Rushikesh Patel
Chaudhary unseated a powerful panel backed by former GCMMF Chairman Vipul Chaudhary to lead Dudhsagar Dairy in 2021 and has since gained a reputation for administrative acumen and farmer connect.
Gordhan Dhameliya (67)
- Chairman, Rajkot District Milk Union since 2020
- Veteran Patidar leader from Virpur, Rajkot district
- Elected to the gram, taluka, and district panchayats since 1985
- Contested state assembly elections in 2002 and 2007
- Graduated in Arts with deep grassroots political and cooperative involvement
Election Process and GCMMF Legacy
The elections were held with the full participation of all 18 member unions of GCMMF, in the presence of the Anand District Collector and the Registrar of Cooperatives, Government of Gujarat, reaffirming the federation’s commitment to democratic values.
- Ashokbhai Chaudhary was nominated by Shamalbhai Patel (Sabarkantha Union) and seconded by Ashwinbhai Salawiya (Amreli Union).
- Gordhan Dhameliya was proposed by Valamji Humbal (Kutch Union) and seconded by Mohan Bharwad (Ahmedabad Union).
GCMMF, established in 1973, has never witnessed a contested election — a remarkable testament to cooperation in Gujarat’s dairy sector.
Statements from the New Leaders
Ashok Chaudhary expressed heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Minister Amit Shah, Chief Minister Bhupendr, GCMMF’s board:
“This federation represents 36 lakh dairy farmers of Gujarat. I am committed to honouring the legacy of Tribhuvandas Patel and further strengthening this model of inclusive growth and cooperative empowerment. Amul today is a beacon of what the Ministry of Cooperation can achieve.”
Dhameliya echoed a vision of continued collaboration with Gujarat’s cooperative unions to enhance farmer income and ensure fair consumer pricing.
GCMMF by the Numbers: FY 2024–25 Snapshot
- Turnover: ₹65,911 crore (USD 7.7 billion), 11.2% YoY growth
- Milk Procurement: Over 12 billion litres
- Brand Turnover: ₹90,000 crore (USD 11 billion)
- Product Reach: 24+ billion packs across India and 50+ countries
- Recognworld’s named the world’s strongest food and dairy brand by Brand Finance UK