Women-Led Dairy Co-ops on the Rise: A New Chapter for Indian Dairying

The Ministry of Cooperation has recently highlighted a growing trend of women-led dairy cooperatives across India. Women are increasingly taking charge of critical dairy operations — not just in milk production, but also procurement, processing and marketing. This shift is being recognized as a powerful instrument for improving transparency, boosting incomes and uplifting the social status of women in rural communities.

The example of Gujarat stands out most starkly. Between 2020 and 2025, the number of dairy cooperatives led by women in the state increased by 21%, rising from 3,764 to 4,562 societies.  By 2025, women held 25% of board-director positions in milk unions — 82 women directors, contributing significantly to decision-making at institutional levels.

On the membership side too, women now account for around 12 lakh of the total 36 lakh dairy-producer members in Gujarat, roughly 32%.  Their presence is no longer symbolic — these are active, decision-making roles not just at village-level societies but also at union and cooperative higher levels.

This transformation in governance and participation is mirrored by significant economic outcomes. Milk procurement by women-led dairy societies in Gujarat surged 39% between 2020 and 2025 — from 41 lakh litres per day (LPD) to 57 lakh LPD. In 2025, these women-led cooperatives together now account for about 26% of Gujarat’s total milk procurement.

In terms of financial performance, the combined daily revenue from these women-run societies rose from ₹17 crore in 2020 to ₹25 crore in 2025. That translates into an annual turnover of over ₹9,000 crore, marking a 43% growth over five years.

Beyond economics, these cooperatives are helping transform social norms and rural livelihoods. Women-led dairy societies contribute to outreach on health, nutrition, hygiene, education and rural empowerment — enhancing community well-being along with incomes.

Given these developments, the MoC’s spotlight on women-led dairy cooperatives underscores a broader shift: India’s dairy sector is not only expanding in scale but becoming more inclusive, equitable and resilient — with women increasingly at its core.

Source : Dairynews7x7 Dec 2nd 2025 Read full story here