Purabi Dairy Makes Historic Entry into Barak Valley with Newly Renovated Milk Processing Facility
The long-awaited revival of the Gungoor milk processing plant in Silchar culminated on Monday with a formal inauguration ceremony, officially marking the strategic entry of Purabi Dairy into the Barak Valley region of Assam. The event represents a significant milestone in the state's dairy development initiatives and addresses persistent gaps in local milk supply.
Ministerial Inauguration and Strategic Vision
Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Minister Krishnendu Paul presided over the inauguration, joined by Barak Valley Development Minister Kaushik Rai and National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) Executive Director S Regupathi. The ceremony highlighted the collaborative effort between state authorities and national dairy organizations to revitalize regional infrastructure.
Minister Paul emphasized that the plant aligns perfectly with Assam's broader vision of establishing a self-reliant, farmer-centric dairy ecosystem. He revealed ambitious state targets to scale up milk processing capacity to an impressive 10 lakh litres per day across various facilities.
From Defunct Facility to Modern Processing Hub
The plant, which had remained non-operational for years under the state's animal husbandry and veterinary department, underwent a comprehensive transformation as part of the Assam Dairy Development Plan. North East Dairy and Foods Limited (NEDFL) – a joint venture between the Assam government and NDDB – assumed responsibility for the renovation and operationalization.
IDMC Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of NDDB, completed the upgrade in less than ten months, equipping the facility with state-of-the-art machinery. The renovated plant now boasts a processing capacity of 20,000 litres per day, a substantial improvement that will significantly impact local milk availability.
Substantial Investment and Product Portfolio
NEDFL invested approximately Rs 10 crore in the project, with financial support flowing from both NDDB and the Central Government's Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund. This substantial investment reflects the strategic importance placed on developing dairy infrastructure in northeastern regions.
With commissioning now complete, consumers in Silchar and surrounding areas will gain access to standardized, hygienically packed fresh pouch milk under the established Purabi brand. The dairy will introduce 'Purabi Plus' milk in convenient 250 ml and 500 ml pouches, priced at Rs 18 and Rs 35 respectively. This milk contains 4.5% fat and 8.5% solids-not-fat, meeting quality standards that have been historically lacking in the region.
The product expansion extends beyond basic milk offerings. Purabi Dairy plans to market a diverse range of dairy products including:
- Sweet curd and plain curd varieties
- Traditional lassi beverages
- Fresh paneer and clarified ghee
- Ice cream and flavored milk products
- Natural honey offerings
Addressing Regional Dairy Deficits
Officials highlighted that this development will bridge the long-standing gap in quality fresh milk availability throughout Barak Valley. The region has historically depended heavily on loose milk and ultra-high temperature (UHT) processed variants, which often compromise on freshness and nutritional value.
Minister Kaushik Rai characterized the launch as a "historic moment" for Barak Valley, acknowledging its potential to transform local dairy consumption patterns and support agricultural communities.
Strengthening Producer Networks
NDDB Chairman Meenesh Shah outlined how the facility will strengthen milk procurement systems through the formation of dedicated producer organizations. These groups will receive support from NDDB Dairy Services operating under both the Assam State Rural Livelihoods Mission (ASRLM) and the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM), creating sustainable value chains.
Broad Political and Administrative Support
The inauguration attracted significant political and administrative representation, including Lok Sabha MP Parimal Suklabaidya, Rajya Sabha MP Kanad Purkayastha, MLA Dipayan Chakraborty, and Cachar Deputy Commissioner Ayush Garg. Their collective presence underscored the cross-party consensus and administrative commitment to developing Assam's dairy sector.
The renovated Gungoor plant represents more than just infrastructure renewal – it signifies a strategic shift toward organized dairy distribution, quality assurance, and farmer empowerment in a region poised for agricultural transformation.
