The dairy and organic farming sectors in Assam are set for significant advancements following the signing of two key Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) at Advantage Assam 2.0. These agreements aim to enhance milk processing capacity, improve organic farming infrastructure, and create sustainable economic opportunities for farmers across the region.
Expansion of Purabi Dairy: Doubling Capacity for a Stronger Dairy Industry
In a landmark agreement on February 26, the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) and West Assam Milk Producers’ Cooperative Union Limited (WAMUL) joined forces to expand the milk processing capacity at Purabi Dairy’s Panjabari plant in Guwahati. With an investment of approximately Rs 100 crore, the project will double the plant’s capacity from 1.5 lakh liters per day (LLPD) to 3 LLPD, ensuring a robust supply of quality dairy products to meet increasing consumer demand.
The expansion project also includes a boost in fermented milk product production from 20 metric tons per day (MTPD) to 50 MTPD, along with the establishment of a new ice cream plant with a capacity of 20 TLPD. This initiative will not only strengthen the supply chain but also create higher-value products, ensuring better returns for dairy farmers.
The MoU was signed by Dr. V. Sridhar, Senior General Manager of NDDB, and S.K. Parida, Managing Director of WAMUL, underscoring their commitment to strengthening Assam’s dairy infrastructure.
Organic Farming Innovation: The Launch of an Organic Demo Farm and Food Innovation Hub
In another major development, the National Cooperative Organics Limited (NCOL) and North East Dairy and Foods Limited (NEDFL)—a joint venture between the Government of Assam and NDDB—entered into an MoU to establish an Organic Demo Farm cum Food Innovation Hub in Assam. This initiative aims to create a sustainable ecosystem that integrates organic farming with cooperative dairy activities.
The proposed hub will serve as a processing center for organic raw materials, enabling value addition and improved marketability for farmers across the Northeast. Additionally, it will feature a demonstration farm designed to promote best practices, innovative techniques, and economic viability in organic farming. Over the next two years, the project aims to train at least 1,000 farmers in organic farming techniques, develop market-ready organic products, and facilitate large-scale commercialization.
The MoU was signed by Vipul Mittal, Managing Director of NCOL, and Satya Brata Bose, Managing Director of NEDFL. The initiative is supported by the Ministry of Cooperation, with NDDB serving as the chief promoter, alongside other key organizations such as the National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation (NCCF), National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd. (NAFED), Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd. (GCMMF), and National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC).
This project is set to address critical challenges such as the lack of organically certified processing centers and limited knowledge dissemination in organic farming. With NEDFL’s extensive farmer network, the initiative is expected to revolutionize Assam’s organic farming landscape, providing long-term benefits to farmers and consumers alike.
Strengthening Assam’s Industrial Growth: Kohinoor Pulp & Paper and RPN Specialty Paper Sign MoU
Apart from dairy and organic farming, the industrial sector in Assam also witnessed a significant boost during Advantage Assam 2.0. M/s Kohinoor Pulp & Paper (P) Limited and RPN Specialty Paper (P) Limited signed an MoU for the establishment of a greenfield project at the Industrial Growth Centre, Matia Industrial Area.
The project involves setting up a 1.20 lakh MT per annum bamboo-based pulp plant and a 1.50 lakh MT per annum coated, uncoated, specialty paper, and writing & printing paper plant, alongside a co-generation power plant. With an estimated investment of Rs 2,000 crore, the project is being spearheaded by local entrepreneurs Naveen Kumar Gupta, Pijush Kanti Dey, and Amit Agarwal.
A Transformative Future for Assam’s Agricultural and Industrial Sectors
The MoUs signed at Advantage Assam 2.0 highlight the government’s commitment to strengthening Assam’s rural economy and promoting sustainable industrial growth. By enhancing dairy infrastructure, promoting organic farming, and investing in large-scale industrial projects, these initiatives aim to boost productivity, improve market linkages, and create sustainable livelihood opportunities for farmers and entrepreneurs.
With the Organic Demo Farm cum Food Innovation Hub providing critical training and infrastructure, and the expansion of Purabi Dairy ensuring a robust dairy supply chain, Assam is poised for a new era of growth in agriculture and cooperative sectors. These initiatives not only reinforce the state’s economic resilience but also pave the way for long-term prosperity for its farming communities.
