Guwahati: Northeast India’s largest dairy cooperative, Purabi Dairy, celebrated pre-Magh Bihu at its dairy processing plant in Panjabari, Guwahati on Monday, marking a year of robust growth, increased milk procurement and deeper penetration of the cooperative dairy movement across Assam.
Addressing media persons during the event, officials of the West Assam Milk Producers’ Cooperative Union Ltd (WAMUL) said that Purabi Dairy has strengthened its position significantly over the past year by expanding its farmer base, improving procurement systems and widening its market reach. The cooperative recorded a notable rise in milk production and procurement, supported by a steady increase in the number of Dairy Cooperative Societies (DCS) operating under the Purabi umbrella.
Officials stated that the cooperative dairy system has also gained momentum in Upper Assam, bringing a growing number of farmers into the organised dairy sector. This expansion has helped ensure stable and assured income opportunities for rural households, while promoting scientific and sustainable dairy farming practices at the grassroots level.
“Purabi Dairy’s growth is rooted in its farmer-first approach. By strengthening procurement infrastructure, expanding our cooperative base and improving market access, we are making dairy farming a more dependable and sustainable livelihood for thousands of rural families across Assam,” said WAMUL Managing Director Sameer Kumar Parida.
During the year, Purabi Dairy further diversified its product portfolio with the launch of Purabi Traditional Indian Sweets, which received an encouraging response from consumers. Value-added products such as flavoured milk and ice cream continued to witness strong demand, while long shelf-life products like UHT milk enabled the cooperative to expand into newer and distant markets beyond its traditional distribution zones.
With a strengthened supply chain and distribution network, Purabi products are now available across a wider geography, ensuring better accessibility and consistent availability for consumers. In Guwahati, several new Purabi Milk Booths were opened during the year through partnerships with the Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC) and the Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA). These initiatives have helped strengthen last-mile delivery while also creating local entrepreneurship opportunities.
While expanding its consumer footprint, officials reiterated that Purabi’s primary focus remains on strengthening the rural economy. Continuous capacity building programmes, assured milk procurement, timely payments and technical support are helping farmers improve productivity, enhance milk quality and achieve income stability.
Looking ahead, Purabi Dairy is preparing for the next phase of infrastructure expansion with new milk processing plants planned in Silchar, Jorhat and Dibrugarh. These upcoming facilities are expected to boost local milk procurement, reduce transportation costs and support region-specific dairy development in Barak Valley and Upper Assam.
The pre-Magh Bihu celebration featured traditional Assamese food items prepared using Purabi dairy products, along with cultural performances that reflected the festive spirit of the harvest season. Media persons and guests present at the event appreciated the cooperative’s consistent role in linking rural producers with urban consumers through a transparent and farmer-centric model.
As Magh Bihu symbolises gratitude for the harvest and hope for prosperity, Purabi Dairy reaffirmed its commitment to building a stronger and self-reliant dairy ecosystem in Assam—one that empowers farmers, strengthens rural livelihoods and delivers quality nutrition to households across the state.
