Excelsior Correspondent
LEH, Mar 11: In a significant step towards empowering women and strengthening the dairy sector in Ladakh, PHIA Foundation, with the support of HDFC Bank Parivartan, inaugurated the Lalungma Dairy Unit under Project Himalaya at Gya Meru, Ladakh’s first village.
The inauguration event was attended by Executive Councillor, LAHDC Leh, Stanzin Chosphel, Assistant Registrar Cooperative, Skarma, Managing Director of Ladakh UT Dairy Cooperative Federation Limited, Manoj Solanki, Procurement Head LUTDCF Shubham, and representatives from Lalungma Dairy, among others.
Speaking at the event, Stanzin Chosphel highlighted the project’s potential to create sustainable livelihood opportunities for women in remote areas and announced plans for further infrastructure development, including a permanent structure and a retail shop on the National Highway (Manali road) to market dairy products. He also revealed plans to provide two milking machines for farmers and an exposure tour to Anand, Gujarat, to enhance their skills.
The newly established Milk Processing Unit (MPU) is equipped with modern technology and has the capacity to process 1,000 liters of milk daily, including cow and yak milk. It will produce dairy products such as Vedic Bilona Ghee, cheese, butter, paneer, and fresh milk, ensuring high quality through strict control measures.
Project Lead Tundup Wangail emphasized that the MPU will increase women farmers’ income by eliminating middlemen, ensuring fair and timely payments, and providing direct market access. Project Manager Mohd Ali Waziri stated that the dairy unit will transform their economic landscape while promoting sustainability through eco-friendly packaging and waste minimization.
Before the inauguration, Desert Resource Center’s dairy expert, Romal Singh, trained around 80 women in soap, cheese, and ghee making, equipping them with essential skills.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Association treasurer Tsering Chosdon.
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