Union Minister Baghel lauds 'Lakhpathi Didis'

Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel on Friday visited Shreeja Mahila Milk Producer Organisation, engaging extensively with local dairy entrepreneurs and examining the organisation's operational framework.

He felicitated the ‘Lakhpathi Didis'—women entrepreneurs who have achieved remarkable financial milestones—and lauded their exceptional contributions to rural economic transformation. Prof. Baghel expressed profound appreciation for Shreeja's instrumental role in empowering women and fostering sustainable livelihood opportunities in the region.

Emphasising the imperative of economic diversification, the Minister advocated for the expansion of women's entrepreneurial activities beyond traditional dairying to encompass poultry farming, aquaculture, and swine husbandry. This strategic diversification, he noted, would enhance income security and build resilience against market volatilities.

The Minister underscored the critical importance of adopting contemporary agricultural technologies, particularly micro-irrigation systems including sprinkler irrigation. He emphasised that such technological interventions would optimise water utilisation efficiency and enhance agricultural productivity, thereby strengthening the economic foundation of rural women entrepreneurs.

Highlighting the paramount importance of human capital development, Baghel stressed the significance of quality education for children as a cornerstone of sustainable rural development. Furthermore, he encouraged women to actively participate in local governance through panchayati raj institutions, emphasising their vital role in grassroots democratic processes and community development initiatives.

The visit underscored the government's unwavering commitment to women-led development initiatives and the advancement of India's cooperative movement in the dairy sector.

NDDB has played an umbilical role in the journey of Shreeja since its foundation. Recently, the organization, with the help of NDDB, undertook seed production in the Kadiri and Kadapa regions on a trial basis covering 200 acres of maize and 100 acres of sunflower, resulting in farmers receiving higher returns. Encouraged, Shreeja has also planned 1,000 acres of seed production for maize and sunflower.

In yet another initiative with the support of NDDB and NDDB Dairy Services, Shreeja is planning to install 50 Bulk Milk Chilling Units (BMCUs) in the current financial year under a Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) project.

Recognising the transformative impact of Sreeja, especially in the lives of rural women, the Government of Andhra Pradesh has sanctioned 47.49 acres of land to Shreeja Mahila Milk Producer Organisation for setting up an integrated dairy processing plant with the capacity of four lakh LLPD, skimmed milk powder plant with 30 MT and cattle feed manufacturing plant with two MTPD in Kuppam near Pogurupalli village.

The ₹300-crore initiative, with ₹230 crore for the processing complex and ₹70 crore for cattle feed production is expected to create around 800 local employment opportunities significantly contributing to regional economic development and enhancing rural livelihoods.