Lucknow. Women-led milk producing companies are playing an important role in economically empowering rural women in Uttar Pradesh. About 4.12 lakh women milk producers are associated with these companies in the state. They have reached 7,298 villages in 31 districts. Since inception, these companies have achieved a turnover of approximately Rs 5,839 crore and have earned a profit of Rs 132 crore. Through these, 72,669 women have become 'Lakhpati Didi'.
Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya said that the women-led milk model is strengthening the rural economy and creating new employment and income opportunities for women. Women associated with self-help groups are no longer limited to milk production only, but are also taking active participation in activities like collection, processing and marketing.
Lakhs of women associated with five companies
Five women milk producing companies have been formed under the Uttar Pradesh State Rural Livelihood Mission. These include Balini, Kashi, Samarthi, Shri Baba Gorakhnath Kripa and Srijani Milk Producer Company. These companies are providing organized market, transparent pricing and regular payment facilities to women milk producers in different areas.
Companies' performance at a glance
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Balini Milk Producer Company: 96,320 women are associated with this company working in 1,445 villages in seven districts of Bundelkhand. The company has so far achieved a turnover of Rs 2,295 crore and a profit of Rs 58.75 crore. 26,189 women associated with this have become Lakhpati Didi.
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Kashi Milk Producer Company: There are 56,280 women members associated with this company active in 1,198 villages in seven districts of Purvanchal. The total turnover of the company has been Rs 855 crore and profit is about Rs 16 crore. With this, 13,219 women have become Lakhpati Didi.
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Samantha Milk Producer Company: About 1.12 lakh women are associated with this company operating in 1,560 villages in seven districts of the central region. The company has achieved a turnover of Rs 1,841 crore and a profit of Rs 45 crore. Due to this, 18 thousand women have become Lakhpati Didi.
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Shri Baba Gorakhnath Krupa Milk Producer Company: 74,350 women are associated with this company working in 1,170 villages of four districts of Gorakhpur region. The company has achieved a turnover of Rs 370.07 crore and a profit of Rs 4.46 crore. Due to this, 6,269 women have become Lakhpati Didi.
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Srijani Milk Producer Company: This company, operating in 1,925 villages in six districts of the Terai region, has 72,670 women members. The company has earned a turnover of Rs 477.89 crore and a profit of Rs 8.16 crore. 8,992 women associated with this have become Lakhpati Didi.
Price is decided based on the quality of milk
Through these companies, women are given transparent prices based on the quality of milk, according to fat and SNF. The milk is paid directly into their bank accounts. For this, 3rd, 13th and 23rd of every month have been fixed. With regular payments, women are getting fair price for their produce and assured income.
Balini and Samantha companies are also procuring milk and processing products like ghee and cheese. Whereas Kashi, Shri Baba Gorakhnath Kripa and Srijani companies collect milk and provide it to Mother Dairy as per the prescribed procedure. Due to this, participation of women is increasing from production to marketing.
Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya said that transparent pricing, regular bank payments and organized milk market have made this model an effective medium for economic self-reliance of rural women. He said that these women-led companies are contributing to the goal of expanding local economic activities in rural areas and making the state a one trillion dollar economy.