Camel Milk Procurement Reaches New Milestone
India’s first camel milk processing plant, Sarhad Dairy in Gujarat, has procured close to 5,000 litres of camel milk over the past year, providing direct income support to more than 350 camel farming families in the Kutch region. According to a state government official, during 2024–25, daily camel milk procurement reached 4,754 litres. The dairy made total payments of Rs 8.72 crore to camel herders during the year, reinforcing the economic viability of camel-based livelihoods.
Organic Certification and Cooperative Model
Sarhad Dairy has also secured primary organic certification for camel milk, strengthening product credibility in premium and health-focused markets. Following the Amul cooperative model, the dairy collects camel milk through four collection centres in the Kutch district. These centres operate in Rapar, Nakhatrana, Gadhshisha and Kotda Athamana, ensuring easy access for remote camel herders.
Camel milk, often described as the “white gold of the Rann of Kutch”, is known for its high mineral content, immunity-boosting properties and overall health benefits.
India’s Only Camel Milk Processing Facility
Established in January 2019, Sarhad Dairy remains India’s only dedicated camel milk processing plant. The facility operates with advanced machinery designed specifically for camel milk handling and processing. Its unique positioning has helped formalise camel milk production, which was earlier confined to informal and local markets.
Expansion into Value-Added Products
Sarhad Dairy has diversified into value-added products, including India’s only camel milk Rajbhog-flavoured ice cream. The ice cream plant was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 22 February 2024. Within one year of operations, the plant launched 80 ice cream varieties. During 2024–25, total ice cream production reached 24.52 lakh litres, with peak daily dispatch touching 58,000 litres.
National and Global Recognition
Sarhad Dairy showcased its camel milk products at the Gulf Food Expo 2025 in Dubai, the world’s largest food exhibition. Products displayed at the Amul stall attracted strong interest from international buyers.
The dairy has received several awards, including the FOKIA Award 2014 for Social Growth and Infrastructure Development, the Rotary Club Vocational Excellence Award 2017, the FOKIA Award 2024 for Excellence in Agritech, and the Green Workplace Award 2025 for sustainability performance.
Financial Inclusion Through ‘Sahkar se Samriddhi’
Under the ‘Sahkar se Samriddhi’ initiative of the Modi government, Sarhad Dairy has supported financial inclusion across the region. The programme enabled 900 milk societies and 31,067 animal husbandry farmers to open accounts with the Kutch District Central Cooperative Bank. To simplify banking access, farmers were issued RuPay cards, while 438 milk societies received Micro ATMs.
A Model for Sustainable Livestock Development
Sarhad Dairy’s journey highlights how cooperative-led innovation can transform niche livestock sectors. By combining processing infrastructure, value addition and financial inclusion, the dairy has created a sustainable model for camel herders in arid regions.