Kashee Milk Producer Organization (KMPO) is planning to achieve a substantial turnover of ₹200 crore by the end of the 2023–24 financial year, primarily driven by the increasing participation of women milk farmers. This remarkable target signifies a six-fold increase from the organization’s ₹37 crore revenue in the previous financial year, marking a significant achievement within just two years of its establishment. Supported by the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) and NDDB Dairy Services, KMPO is dedicated to empowering rural women milk farmers and is now gearing up to expand its presence in the dairy sector with a goal of achieving a ₹300 crore turnover in the following financial year.
Manvir Singh, Chief Executive of KMPO, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “We have silently become an army of rural women milk farmers determined to become the harbinger of the dairy sector. In the process, we have witnessed a rise of over 2,000 lakhpati didis so far, and by the end of the year, the number will cross 3,000—thanks to the fast growth attributed to the fair and transparent procurement price paid to the members.” He highlighted a remarkable case where one of their members earned over ₹30 lakh for her milk contribution in just 18–19 months of KMPO’s operations. Additionally, Singh mentioned that they have set a target of ₹300 crore for the next financial year, and they plan to venture into packaged products with a Kashi flavour.
KMPO, established with the support of the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) and the UP State Rural Livelihood Mission (UPSRLM), receives technical support from NDDB Dairy Services (NDS), a subsidiary of the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB).
Sarita Devi, the chairperson of KMPO, emphasized the organization’s commitment to fair practices, stating, “From our total revenue, 90% was given to member farmers last year in terms of milk price and incentives, and going by the same norms, ₹180 crore would have been transferred into the accounts of women dairy kisans, spread over five districts of the region during this financial year.” She also outlined their plans for expansion, including increasing milk collection, adding new districts, and providing support to members.
KMPO employs a transparent payment system, making direct deposits into members’ bank accounts and equipping them with a mobile application to track their milk contributions. The organization also offers fodder, feed, and veterinary support to its members, and with NDDB’s assistance, KMPO is in the process of establishing 100 biogas plants in its coverage area to meet household fuel requirements.
The success and determination of KMPO’s women milk producers are lauded by all involved in the endeavour as they work towards the prosperity and progress of the region. Various dairy initiatives are underway in the region, including forward linkages for the milk procured through Mother Dairy, Delhi, the revival of the Dugdh Utpadak Sahakari Sangh Plant (Parag), and the establishment of a mega biogas plant at Parag’s facility, contributing to the growth and revival of the dairy sector in the region.