Assam has set its sights on dominating the dairy market in the Northeast, with a primary focus on achieving self-reliance in milk production by 2030. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, speaking at the inauguration of Purabi Dairy’s expansion in Guwahati, announced the goal of producing 10 lakh litres of milk daily by establishing 4,000 milk cooperatives statewide. Currently, the state’s 850+ cooperatives generate 3–4 lakh litres each day.
Emphasizing the importance of a strong milk processing system, Sarma said that Assam will first replace imported dairy products with its own before targeting other Northeastern states lacking such infrastructure.
To boost production, the government is offering incentives such as Rs 1 lakh in seed money for cooperatives to purchase cows, along with the promotion of sex-sorted semen and Gir–Lakhimi crossbreeding. From 2022 to 2025, 2.16 lakh doses led to nearly 28,000 female calves.
Highlighting the resilience of Lakhimi cows and the yield potential of Gir cattle, Sarma stressed the need for hybrid breeds suited to Assam’s climate. He reaffirmed the state’s opposition to cow slaughter and encouraged sustainable dairy farming.
