In a significant move to revolutionize India’s dairy sector, leading FMCG company BL Agro has inaugurated a state-of-the-art cattle breeding and dairy center in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, with an initial investment of ₹1,000 crore. The project, aptly named ‘Satat Kamdhenu’, aims to integrate advanced breeding technologies with sustainable practices, fostering a circular economy that benefits both agriculture and the local community.
A Vision for Sustainable Dairy Farming
The ‘BL Kamdhenu Farms’ initiative is set to house 5,000 indigenous cows in its initial phase, with plans to expand to 10,000. This ambitious project underscores BL Agro’s commitment to sustainable agriculture and community development. By focusing on indigenous breeds, the company aims to enhance milk production while preserving native cattle genetics.
Ashish Khandelwal, Managing Director of BL Agro, highlighted the project’s broader objectives:
“The key focus has been to create a sustainable and a circular economy that minimizes agri-waste and boosts the local community.”
Integration of Advanced Technologies
The center stands out for its integration of cutting-edge technologies:
- Advanced Breeding Techniques: Utilizing in-vitro fertilization (IVF) to improve cattle genetics and productivity.
- Feed Production: Developing high-quality feed to ensure optimal nutrition for the cattle, thereby enhancing milk yield.
- Bio-Methanation Facilities: Implement systems to convert organic waste into compressed biogas, promote renewable energy use and reduce environmental impact.
Circular Economy and Community Empowerment
A cornerstone of the ‘Satat Kamdhenu’ project is its emphasis on a circular economy:
- Leads Agri Genetics: BL Agro’s newly launched subsidiary focuses on enhancing animal genetics and plant breeding, including the development of cattle breeds that emit lower methane levels.
- Farmer Collaboration: The company plans to sell high-yielding cows to local farmers, provide quality feed, and purchase milk from them. Additionally, BL Agro will source farm waste for its proposed compressed biogas plant.
Navneet Ravikar, CEO of BL Agro, elaborated on the project’s community impact:
“In the initial stage, BL Kamdhenu will benefit 5,000 local farmers in the next 2-3 years, and as it scales up its production to full capacity, it would benefit 1-2 lakh farmers.”
Government Endorsement
The inauguration of the center was graced by Union Food Processing Industries Minister Chirag Paswan, reflecting the government’s support for initiatives that drive innovation and sustainability in the agriculture sector.
Future Outlook
With an anticipated total investment of ₹3,000 crore upon reaching full capacity, BL Agro’s ‘Satat Kamdhenu’ project is poised to set new benchmarks in sustainable dairy farming. By integrating advanced technologies with community-centric practices, the initiative aims to transform the dairy landscape in India, ensuring economic growth and environmental stewardship.
