Asha Mahila Milk Producer Organization Wins Prestigious Dairy Innovation Award at IDF World Dairy Summit 2024 in Paris

Udaipur – The Udaipur-headquartered Asha Mahila Milk Producer Organization (MPO) has garnered international recognition by winning the Dairy Innovation Award for Innovation in Sustainable Processing at the prestigious International Dairy Federation (IDF) World Dairy Summit 2024 in Paris. This esteemed award was presented in acknowledgment of their groundbreaking initiatives in the sustainable processing of milk, positioning them as leaders in the global dairy industry.

Praising the achievement, Dr. Meenesh ShahChairman of the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) and NDDB Dairy Services, said, “It is heartening to witness a women-led organization receiving such a prestigious accolade. This win not only aligns with India’s mission to become the ‘Dairy to the World,’ but also supports the central government’s commitment to empowering women. This marks the second consecutive win by a women-led producer-owned enterprise after Shreeja Milk Producer Organization’s victory last year.”

Asha Mahila MPO’s innovation addresses the unique challenges posed by India’s smallholder dairy system. Climate conditions and an unreliable electricity supply in rural areas have long affected the quality of milk. The MPO’s solution—a cutting-edge chiller—cools 250 liters of milk per hour through a thermodynamic design that maximizes heat transfer while minimizing energy consumption. This innovation also enhances hygiene and safety standards by using hot water, a byproduct of the cooling process, for cleaningensuring compliance with food safety regulations while conserving groundwater. The entire system runs on solar powersourced from rooftop panels, promoting both sustainability and energy efficiency.

This technological advancement not only ensures better milk quality but also promotes sustainable practices by leveraging renewable energy. It significantly reduces dependence on conventional power sources, aligning with India’s climate change commitments.

During the award ceremony, Smt. Narsa KunwarChairperson of Asha Mahila MPO, shared her inspiring journey toward empowerment and financial independence. She emphasized how the lives of over 40,000 women dairy farmer members have transformed since joining Asha MPO. “We have not only improved the quality of our milk production but also gained financial independence and respect in our communities,” Kunwar said.

Founded in 2016 with financial assistance from Tata Trusts-promoted DHANIAsha Mahila MPO has been receiving technical support from NDDB Dairy Servicesa wholly owned, not-for-profit subsidiary of NDDB. The organization now boasts over 40,000 women members who collectively pour more than 100,000 liters of milk dailycollected from 900 villages across nine districts of Rajasthan.

The win underscores the power of women-led enterprises in shaping India’s dairy sector while contributing to the country’s broader sustainability and energy goals.

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