New Delhi, April 2025.

NDDB Dairy Services (NDS), a wholly owned Section 8 not-for-profit subsidiary of the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), continues to champion women’s leadership in the dairy sector. While women have historically played a pivotal role in dairying—managing cattle, milking, and milk pouring—NDS has been instrumental in positioning them at the helm of commercial dairy enterprises, transforming them into decision-makers and business leaders.

Since its inception in 2009, NDDB Dairy Services has actively promoted women’s empowerment in the dairy value chain. Among the 22 operational Milk Producer Organizations (MPOs) facilitated by NDS, an impressive 17 are exclusively owned by women, with female-led boards steering their strategic direction. Notably, 18 out of 22 MPOs are chaired by women, showcasing the rise of women-led governance in the sector.

Speaking on this remarkable transformation, Dr. Meenesh Shah, Chairman, NDDB & NDS, stated, “NDS-facilitated MPOs exemplify how women-led enterprises can redefine success in the dairy sector. Their achievements underscore the power of collective action and highlight the transformative role women dairy farmers play in grassroots economic development. Many of these women leaders have represented India on global platforms, including at the International Dairy Federation’s World Dairy Summit in the USA and France. The impact is profound—over 1,22,000 ‘Lakhpati Didis’ have emerged through these organizations, creating a lasting socio-economic ripple effect.”

Dr. Shah further emphasized the importance of expanding women’s roles beyond governance, calling for greater participation in executive leadership. “It is time for women to take charge of day-to-day operations as well. In a pioneering move—one of many to follow—Smt. Rachana Deodhar Goel has taken over as Chief Executive of Sakhi Mahila Milk Producer Organization (MMPO), headquartered in Alwar, Rajasthan.”

Echoing this sentiment, Smt. Pinki Sharma, Chairperson of Sakhi MPO, remarked, “Sakhi is built on the foundation of women’s empowerment, and we take immense pride in witnessing thousands of women gain financial independence through dairying. With more women assuming leadership roles, we are committed to furthering our mission of ensuring sustainable livelihoods and economic prosperity for our members.”

Established on March 19, 2016, with financial support from Tata Trusts and technical assistance from NDS, Sakhi Mahila Milk Producer Organization has emerged as a formidable force in the dairy sector. Today, it operates across 13 districts in Rajasthan, Haryana, and Punjab, providing sustainable livelihoods to thousands of women dairy farmers. With over 90,000 women farmer members from 3,000 villages, Sakhi aggregates 5.5 lakh liters of milk daily. The organization’s projected turnover for FY 2024-25 stands at an impressive Rs. 700 Crores, underscoring its significant contributions to rural economic development.