On Sunday, July 20, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma conducted the Bhumi Pujan ceremony for the expansion of the Purabi Dairy plant in Guwahati. This significant development marks a major milestone in Assam’s dairy sector and is being implemented in partnership with the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB). The project is part of the government’s broader plan to strengthen milk processing infrastructure across the state and to achieve self-sufficiency in dairy production.
During his address at the event, CM Sarma revealed that the state government had set a target three years ago to increase Assam’s daily milk processing capacity to 10 lakh litres. As part of this vision, the current expansion under the Bhumi Pujan will enhance the Purabi Dairy plant's milk processing capacity to 3 lakh litres per day. The move is expected to substantially boost the dairy industry in Assam and meet the growing demand for milk and dairy products in the region.
The Chief Minister also announced that new milk processing units are being planned in Silchar, Dibrugarh, Jorhat, and other strategically important locations across the state. These expansions are a result of the ongoing collaboration between the Assam Government and NDDB, and are expected to be completed over the next few years. Once fully operational, these new facilities are anticipated to transform Assam’s dairy production landscape, reduce dependency on milk imports, and generate employment opportunities in rural areas.
In addition to infrastructure development, CM Sarma highlighted a new subsidy scheme aimed at incentivizing milk production through cooperative societies. Under this scheme, the government will provide ₹5 per litre of milk produced by cooperatives. This initiative is designed to directly benefit approximately 20,000 farmers across the state. The financial support is expected to encourage more farmers to engage in dairy farming, thereby increasing overall milk production in Assam.
CM Sarma expressed strong confidence in the success of this dairy development roadmap. He stated that with the combined efforts of the government, NDDB, and local farmers, Assam will achieve the targeted 10 lakh litre daily milk processing capacity within the next 3–4 years. He also noted that this initiative aligns with the state’s broader mission of economic self-reliance and rural development.
The expansion of Purabi Dairy and the launch of the cooperative subsidy scheme represent a strategic effort to revitalize Assam’s dairy sector, ensuring food security, boosting farmers’ income, and creating a sustainable supply chain. These developments underline the government’s commitment to improving agricultural infrastructure and empowering rural communities.
In conclusion, the Bhumi Pujan for Purabi Dairy’s expansion is more than a ceremonial event—it signals a forward-looking approach to dairy development in Assam, focusing on capacity building, farmer welfare, and long-term sustainability.