The dairy sector in North Gujarat is undergoing a remarkable transformation as leading cooperatives scale up processing capacity, embrace innovation, and position themselves as global leaders. The region’s dairy economy, driven by Banas Dairy (Banaskantha), Dudhsagar Dairy (Mehsana), and Sabar Dairy (Sabarkantha), exemplifies the success of the cooperative model in rural development and export-oriented growth, according to a statement from the Chief Minister’s office.

Operating under the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), which markets products under the iconic Amul brand, these cooperatives have become national and international leaders in milk processing, cold-chain infrastructure, and value-added product exports.

Banas Dairy, one of Asia’s largest dairy cooperatives, was founded in 1969 and is headquartered in Palanpur, Banaskantha. With a turnover of over INR 21,200 crore in FY 2024-25, it operates 20 manufacturing units across Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh, processing 10 million litres of milk daily. Engaging over 1,600 milk societies and 4 lakh farmers, Banas Dairy has expanded its portfolio from dairy products to honey and edible oils. A recent partnership between Suzuki Motor Corporation and NDDB for a biogas plant underscores its commitment to sustainability.

Dudhsagar Dairy, officially the Mehsana District Co-operative Milk Producers’ Union Ltd, established in 1960, has transformed Mehsana into a dairy innovation hub. From handling just 3,300 litres per day at inception, it now collects 34.88 lakh litres of milk daily and reported a turnover of INR 8,054 crore in FY 2024-25. Its robust cold-chain infrastructure ensures quality for both domestic and export markets.

Sabar Dairy, officially the Sabarkantha District Co-operative Milk Producers’ Union Ltd, handles 33.53 lakh litres of milk daily and achieved an FY 2023-24 turnover of approximately INR 8,939 crore. Known for producing milk, ghee, butter, and cheese, it consistently invests in advanced processing and logistics to maintain global standards.

These three cooperatives demonstrate the strength of Gujarat’s farm-to-market model through farmer empowerment, infrastructure expansion, and export readiness. With increasing global demand for Indian dairy products, North Gujarat is emerging as a major dairy export hub. The success of these cooperatives will be showcased at the upcoming Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conferences (VGRC), highlighting the state’s dynamic growth in the dairy sector.