Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah inaugurated a series of dairy infrastructure and cooperative initiatives in Leh, Ladakh, on May 1, 2026, marking a significant step toward strengthening the Union Territory’s rural economy.
Addressing the gathering, Shah underscored the government’s commitment to advancing the cooperative model envisioned by Narendra Modi. He noted that multiple initiatives are being implemented concurrently to unlock Ladakh’s agricultural and dairy potential. As part of this effort, the foundation stone for a dairy plant with a capacity of 10,000 litres per day (TLPD) has been laid in Kargil, a region characterized by its challenging high-altitude terrain.
Highlighting market integration, Shah announced that the Ladakh Milk Federation has signed an agreement with Mother Dairy, a move expected to connect Ladakh’s dairy producers to national markets. He emphasized the need for Ladakh’s organic products to access large consumer bases such as Delhi. In this context, he urged the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) to facilitate a tripartite memorandum of understanding with National Cooperative Organic Limited to enable broader market linkages. He added that while Mother Dairy products should be available locally, Ladakh’s products must also be marketed nationwide through cooperative channels.
The event was attended by Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying; S. P. Singh Baghel and George Kurian, Ministers of State in the same ministry; and Vinay Kumar Saxena, Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh.
Shah further announced plans to expand dairy infrastructure in the region. A new processing plant with a capacity of 50,000 litres per day will be established in Leh at an estimated cost of ₹70 crore. This facility is expected to complement the Kargil plant and support rising milk production in the region.
Providing an update on grassroots engagement, Shah stated that following the agreement between the Ladakh Milk Federation and NDDB, the cooperative network now extends to 28 villages, connecting approximately 1,700 milk producers. He urged NDDB to scale operations further by reaching more villages where dairy farming is viable, thereby enhancing rural livelihoods.
He also noted that daily production has commenced at the existing milk plant in Leh. Recognizing institutional demand, Shah noted that the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and the Indian Army, with around 18,000 personnel stationed in the region, are significant consumers of dairy products. He expressed confidence that the local dairy ecosystem will be able to meet their requirements for milk and value-added products such as curd and paneer.
To ensure quality and transparency, a mobile milk testing laboratory worth ₹45 lakh has been deployed, and an Android-based Automated Milk Collection System (AMCS) application has been launched. This digital platform enables farmers to track their milk transactions transparently, fostering greater trust and efficiency in the system. Shah also acknowledged five livestock farmers who were honoured during the event, describing them as role models for the region’s dairy community.
Concluding his address, Shah urged the Ladakh administration to systematically harness the potential of every village suitable for dairy and animal husbandry. He added that cooperative societies focused on pashmina, organic produce, and honey are also planned, further diversifying Ladakh’s cooperative landscape.
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