In a major milestone for India’s cooperative dairy sector, Sonai Dairy processed an all-time high of 41 lakh litres of milk in a single day on 10 January 2026. The announcement was shared exclusively with Dairy Dimension by Sanjay Bhagwatkar, General Manager (Sales & Marketing), Sonai Dairy.
This achievement demonstrates the dairy’s growing operational scale and its pivotal role in supporting farmers and meeting rising demand in both domestic and international markets.
General Manager (Sales & Marketing)
“This performance reflects our commitment to excellence, robust procurement from farmers, and expanding processing capabilities,” said Sanjay Bhagwatkar, who also highlighted Sonai’s strategic focus on export-driven growth.
The announcement by Sonai Milk Producers’ Union Ltd. was accompanied by acknowledgements to the organisation’s staff, field officers, and producer-members across Maharashtra whose collective efforts contributed to this feat.
Sonai’s Rise in the Indian Dairy Industry
Sonai Dairy, based in Ahmednagar, is among the fastest-growing cooperatives in western India. Its ability to process 41 lakh litres per day positions it firmly within the top ranks of regional players making a national impact. The cooperative is focused not just on milk volumes, but on value-added dairy products such as ghee, paneer, and SMP.
The dairy’s robust cold chain infrastructure, quality control systems, and farmer-centric approach reflect larger trends in the Indian dairy industry, where cooperatives are gaining prominence alongside corporate players.
Expanding Footprint in Global Dairy Trade
Sonai Dairy has already established a strong export presence in the Middle East and Southeast Asia and has recently received approval to export dairy products to Russia, reflecting compliance with stringent global quality standards.
This international access aligns with national objectives to promote dairy export growth, diversify markets, and boost the global competitiveness of Indian dairy producers.
Looking Ahead
With growing demand for value-added dairy products and premium exports, Sonai is strategically investing in scaling its infrastructure, enhancing digital traceability, and building long-term trade partnerships.
As India’s dairy ecosystem evolves, Sonai’s farmer-first, innovation-driven approach makes it a model cooperative leading from the front.
About Sonai Dairy:
Sonai Milk Producers’ Union Ltd. is a progressive dairy cooperative based in Maharashtra, India, committed to empowering farmers, producing high-quality dairy products, and contributing to India’s global dairy footprint.
