The session, attended by the faculty members of IRMA and Dr. Tushaar Shah, Emeritus Professor at the Institute of Rural Management Anand (IRMA), focused on the evolving role of dairy cooperatives in India’s rural development and how they can adapt to emerging challenges while continuing to empower millions of farmers. Dr. Amit Vyas stressed that before any roadmap is created, every part of the dairy supply chain must be carefully analyzed and fully understood. From milk procurement and processing to distribution, value addition, and product diversification, a clear understanding of each stage is critical to designing an effective and sustainable roadmap that benefits farmers and strengthens cooperatives. He highlighted the importance of digital transformation, leveraging technology, data, and AI to make systems transparent, efficient, and farmer-friendly. He also emphasized value addition and product diversification, with Amul expanding into cheese, chocolates, probiotics, and ready-to-drink beverages, creating new avenues for growth and farmer prosperity. Sustainability remains at the heart of the journey, with initiatives like biogas plants, solar power, and bio-fertilizers building circular economy models that reduce carbon footprints while generating additional income for farmers. He further stressed the need to engage youth and women, nurture new leadership, and carry forward the cooperative spirit with renewed energy. Finally, Dr. Vyas noted that the true resilience of dairy cooperatives rests on institutional strengthening and financial robustness, including professional governance, innovative financing, and strong balance sheets.

Impressions:

Amul’s journey demonstrates how growth, responsibility, and farmer prosperity can go hand in hand. By embracing innovation, sustainability, and strong governance, dairy cooperatives can remain digitally smart, globally competitive, and resilient, securing the livelihoods of farmers for generations to come.