Lucknow | September 29 2025 — What began as a humble journey of survival for Renu Devi, a resident of Dharmapur village in Deoria district, has now become a beacon of rural dairy entrepreneurship in Uttar Pradesh’s evolving milk economy. Once a housewife with limited means, Renu is now known as a “Lakhpati Didi”, earning over ₹44,000 per month through organised milk production—a symbol of the transformational potential of dairy cooperatives and women-led enterprise in India’s largest state.
Her story mirrors Uttar Pradesh’s broader vision: to lead the country in milk production while empowering women to achieve economic self-reliance through structured support and cooperative models.
The Turning Point: From SHG Member to Dairy Entrepreneur
Renu first joined the Chameli Self-Help Group, gaining exposure to community savings and basic income-generation activities. But the income was modest and insufficient to support her family.
The real breakthrough came in late 2023, when the Shri Baba Gorakhnath Kripa Milk Producer Institution set up a milk collection centre in her area. Recognising an opportunity to convert household dairy work into a sustainable livelihood, Renu joined the institution on 7 December 2023.
“Before joining, I had just two cows producing a few litres daily—mostly for our own use,” she recalls. “But once I learned that quality milk would fetch fair prices, I saw a path forward.”
With training, veterinary support, and technical assistance, Renu expanded her herd to five cows, producing 25 litres of milk daily—which she now supplies directly to the collection centre.
Sustainable Livelihood, Secure Future
With an annual turnover exceeding ₹4.5 lakh, Renu’s monthly earnings of ₹44,000+ are deposited directly into her bank account, enabling her to plan for savings, invest in her children’s education, and improve her family’s quality of life.
A government spokesperson confirmed that direct digital payments, access to veterinary services, and farmer training under the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) and state dairy missions have been key enablers in her journey.
“Renu Devi’s success exemplifies how structured dairy linkages can create secure rural livelihoods and empower women,” the official said.
A Ripple Effect: Women Empowering Women
What makes Renu’s story even more impactful is the wave of empowerment she has inspired. Sixty-nine women in the region have joined the same institution under her guidance. Many are now progressing from subsistence dairy to market-oriented production, creating a cluster-based dairy ecosystem rooted in cooperation and inclusivity.
Aligning with UP’s Ambitious Dairy Goals
Renu’s journey also reflects Uttar Pradesh’s strategic intent to become India’s leading milk-producing state. The state has already expanded its dairy footprint through:
- Village-level milk collection centres
- Women-led dairy cooperatives
- Incentive-based procurement models
- Training programmes for scientific dairy practices
Uttar Pradesh currently ranks among the top milk producers in India, and the government is accelerating investments in rural dairy infrastructure to scale up formal procurement, improve quality, and foster inclusive economic growth.
