Women Power: India’s Dairy Sector Transformed

Women in India’s dairy industry are no longer just the backbone — they’re becoming the face of leadership, entrepreneurship, and economic change. From grassroots milk collection to boardroom decisions, Indian women in cooperatives and private dairies are leveraging their strengths to reshape the dairy sector.

In Gujarat, more than 32% of the 36 lakh dairy cooperative members are women, and women-led societies have boosted daily milk collection by 39%. Their annual combined income has crossed ₹9,000 crore, showing these are not sidelined roles — but major economic engines.

Beyond production, women are climbing the governance ladder. In 2025, 82 women held board seats across Gujarat’s dairy unions — about 25% of all board members — and women-MPOs are increasingly taking center stage. This is being reinforced with institutional support from self-help groups, microfinance, and training programs that help women scale more than just milk production, but entire dairy businesses.

Through initiatives led by the NDDB, 23 producer organizations have been established, with 16 exclusively comprising women. These entities manage significant collections of milk daily and have amassed impressive earnings, illustrating the success of these empowerment programs. Additionally, women’s leadership within these cooperatives has been bolstered, with 154 women directors participating in governance.

Recognition and Future Prospects

The impact of women’s empowerment in India’s dairy sector has not gone unnoticed. International recognition, such as the IDF Innovation Award, celebrates these achievements. Figures like Sri Devi, chairman of Srija Producer Organization, exemplify the transformative journey from an ordinary milk producer to a leader, with her daughter now pursuing higher education in the U.S.

Ultimately, the women of India’s dairy industry redefine traditional roles, transforming grassroots production into a globally recognized force. Their stories underscore the broader social impact of economic empowerment and inspire continued support for female participation in this vibrant sector.

On the corporate side, firms like Heritage Foods are also amplifying women’s role in dairy. Roughly 40% of its village-level procurement centers* are run by women entrepreneurs, and nearly 60,000 women farmers are part of its supply chain. Through affordable credit, leadership training, and professional roles, Heritage and cooperative dairies are enabling women to become not just suppliers — but business partners in India’s dairy story.

Source : Dairynews7x7 Nov 20th 2025