Patna: Bihar's dairy sector took another significant step forward on Monday as Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary laid the foundation stone for a 20 Metric Tonne Per Day (MTPD) curd and lassi processing plant at the Biharsharif Dairy Project in Nalanda. The new facility will strengthen the production capacity of COMFED's flagship brand Sudha, helping meet the growing demand for value-added dairy products while reinforcing Bihar's ambition to emerge as a major contributor to India's expanding dairy economy.
The project also marks another milestone in the transformation underway at the Bihar State Milk Co-operative Federation (COMFED) under the leadership of Shirsat Kapil Ashok, IAS, Secretary, Dairy, Fisheries and Animal Resources Department, Government of Bihar, and Managing Director of COMFED. Over the past year, Ashok has been steering a strategy centred on strengthening dairy cooperatives, modernising infrastructure, expanding value-added products and creating greater income opportunities for milk producers across the state.
A leader with passion for innovation
Ashok's emphasis on innovation and institution building has been a defining feature of his administrative career. As District Magistrate of East Champaran during the Covid-19 pandemic, he earned widespread appreciation for introducing a technology-enabled oxygen management system that ensured uninterrupted oxygen supply during one of the country's most challenging public health emergencies. His subsequent assignments in urban administration further strengthened his reputation as an officer who combines technology, efficient execution and citizen-centric governance. More recently, his nomination to the Board of the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) reflected national recognition of his contribution to strengthening India's cooperative dairy movement.
That institution-building approach is now visible in COMFED's evolving growth strategy. Rather than limiting the federation's focus to milk procurement, Ashok has been driving efforts to build a stronger dairy value chain through infrastructure expansion, product diversification, market development and deeper engagement with dairy cooperatives.
The initiative is closely aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of 'Sahkar Se Samriddhi' and the objectives of White Revolution 2.0, launched by Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah. As India seeks to expand the global footprint of its dairy sector, Bihar is increasingly positioning itself as an important hub for value-added dairy products and cooperative-led growth.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Choudhary said Sudha represents much more than a dairy brand. It has become the backbone of the livelihoods and aspirations of millions of dairy farmers across Bihar by ensuring fair remuneration through an extensive cooperative network. He expressed confidence that Sudha would continue its journey towards becoming a globally competitive dairy brand while creating new opportunities for employment, value addition and higher farmer incomes.
Ashok leading COMFED’s scaling up
Presenting COMFED's achievements, Ashok said the federation has facilitated the formation of more than 2,500 new dairy cooperative societies during the first 100 days of the present government, resulting in an increase of over 3 lakh litres of milk procurement per day compared to the previous year. He said the expansion reflects COMFED's continued emphasis on strengthening grassroots dairy institutions, widening procurement networks and ensuring that the benefits of Bihar's dairy growth translate into better and more stable incomes for milk producers across the state.
Ashok said COMFED's roadmap for the coming months focuses on expanding initiatives such as Sudha Sakhi and the Prime Minister's Veterinary Medicine Centres, while implementing key livestock breed improvement projects, including the proposed establishment of a Semen Station in Lakhisarai and an AITI Centre in Munger. These initiatives are expected to improve cattle genetics, enhance productivity and strengthen the long-term sustainability of Bihar's dairy sector.
Reflecting COMFED's growing emphasis on innovation and market expansion, the federation has also entered into a strategic partnership with Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) to jointly develop fuel stations integrated with Sudha Cafeterias. The initiative is expected to create new consumer touchpoints for Sudha products, strengthen the cooperative's retail presence and generate additional business opportunities for dairy farmers. Together with investments in value-added products and modern processing infrastructure, the partnership signals COMFED's intent to evolve from a traditional milk federation into a diversified dairy enterprise with a stronger national footprint.
The Chief Minister also distributed deep freezers to 300 retailers to strengthen Sudha's frozen products distribution network and flagged off a specially designed vehicle for the transportation of sick and infirm livestock. The initiatives complement COMFED's broader strategy of modernising Bihar's dairy value chain while improving services for livestock owners and expanding market access for farmers.
BI Bureau
