Press Release
Press Release from the Cooperation Department
Information & Public Relations Department
Sikkim Delegation Visits Banas Dairy in Gujarat During Official Engagements.
Gujarat — Hon’ble Minister for Cooperation and Rural Development Department (RDD), Government of Sikkim, Shri Arun Kumar Upreti, along with PRCS-cum-Secretary, Mrs. Jabi Thapa, visited Banas Dairy (Banaskantha District Cooperative Milk Producers’ Union Ltd.) at Palanpur, Gujarat, during their official programme in the state.
Established in 1969, Banas Dairy is Asia’s largest cooperative dairy and a prominent member of the Amul federation. With an annual turnover exceeding ₹21,200 crore in FY 2024-25, the dairy processes more than 10 million litres of milk daily and supports the livelihoods of over 1,80,000 farmer members, making it one of the most successful cooperative models in the country.
During the visit, the Sikkim delegation reviewed the dairy’s large-scale processing infrastructure, farmer-centric cooperative framework, and value-chain management systems.
The delegation appreciated the institution’s role in empowering rural producers, strengthening local economies, and demonstrating how cooperative movements can drive sustainable development.
The Hon’ble Minister noted that the Banas model provides valuable insights for strengthening cooperative institutions in Sikkim, particularly in enhancing farmer participation, improving processing capabilities, and ensuring fair market linkages.
Mrs. Jabi Thapa emphasised the importance of institutional efficiency and capacity building in replicating successful cooperative practices.
The visit forms part of the Government of Sikkim’s continued efforts to learn from successful cooperative institutions across India and to explore opportunities for strengthening rural livelihoods through cooperative development initiatives.
Gujarat — Hon’ble Minister for Cooperation and Rural Development Department (RDD), Government of Sikkim, Shri Arun Kumar Upreti, along with PRCS-cum-Secretary, Mrs. Jabi Thapa, visited Banas Dairy (Banaskantha District Cooperative Milk Producers’ Union Ltd.) at Palanpur, Gujarat, during their official programme in the state.
Established in 1969, Banas Dairy is Asia’s largest cooperative dairy and a prominent member of the Amul federation. With an annual turnover exceeding ₹21,200 crore in FY 2024-25, the dairy processes more than 10 million litres of milk daily and supports the livelihoods of over 1,80,000 farmer members, making it one of the most successful cooperative models in the country.
During the visit, the Sikkim delegation reviewed the dairy’s large-scale processing infrastructure, farmer-centric cooperative framework, and value-chain management systems.
The delegation appreciated the institution’s role in empowering rural producers, strengthening local economies, and demonstrating how cooperative movements can drive sustainable development.
The Hon’ble Minister noted that the Banas model provides valuable insights for strengthening cooperative institutions in Sikkim, particularly in enhancing farmer participation, improving processing capabilities, and ensuring fair market linkages.
Mrs. Jabi Thapa emphasised the importance of institutional efficiency and capacity building in replicating successful cooperative practices.
The visit forms part of the Government of Sikkim’s continued efforts to learn from successful cooperative institutions across India and to explore opportunities for strengthening rural livelihoods through cooperative development initiatives.
