Rajasthan Cooperative Dairies Confront Critical 20% Reduction in PNG Supply
In a significant development impacting the dairy sector, cooperative Saras dairies across Rajasthan are now receiving only 80% of their usual supply of piped natural gas (PNG). This substantial 20% reduction has raised alarms about potential disruptions to milk processing and production throughout the state.
Emergency Meeting Called to Address Supply Crisis
Ramchandra Choudhary, Chairman of Ajmer Saras dairy, convened an urgent meeting with officials from private gas suppliers on Thursday. The primary agenda was to explore whether PNG supply to dairies could be classified under the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA), which would prioritize and protect this critical resource.
Choudhary revealed that officials clarified the reduction stems from a March 11 notification by the Indian government. According to this directive, Saras dairies will now receive PNG based on 80% of their average consumption from September 2025 to February 2026. The suppliers confirmed they have formally written to the government requesting permission to restore 100% PNG supply to these essential dairy operations.
Implications for Milk Processing and Production
The chairman expressed deep concern that this PNG shortage will severely affect milk processing capabilities, inevitably leading to decreased milk production. "The Ajmer Saras dairy alone processes milk from ten districts across the state," Choudhary emphasized. "With reduced PNG supply, our entire processing operation faces significant disruption."
In response to this crisis, Choudhary immediately contacted Shruti Bhardwaj, Managing Director of the Rajasthan Cooperative Dairy Federation (RCDF), via telephone to demand urgent relief measures for all affected Saras dairies.
School Nutrition Programs at Risk
Highlighting the broader societal impact, Choudhary stressed that milk constitutes an essential commodity with far-reaching consequences. Saras dairies play a crucial role in supplying milk to children in government schools under the national mid-day meal scheme. Additionally, these dairies provide approximately 30,000 metric tonnes of milk powder to schools through various education department initiatives.
"Any disruption in our operations directly affects the nutritional security of schoolchildren," Choudhary warned, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
Proposed Solutions and Government Appeal
To mitigate the impending crisis, Choudhary proposed that alternative arrangements be implemented immediately. He suggested supplying natural gas from Indian-owned oil companies to ensure uninterrupted milk production and distribution across markets.
The dairy chairman concluded with an appeal to authorities, stating, "We remain hopeful that the Indian government will reconsider this notification and provide necessary relief to Rajasthan's Saras dairies. Protecting our dairy operations means safeguarding essential nutrition for countless families and children."
This developing situation continues to be monitored closely by dairy industry stakeholders, government officials, and communities dependent on these vital milk supplies.
