Patna: Bihar is set to strengthen its dairy processing infrastructure with a ₹77 crore milk powder plant in Sitamarhi. The project is proposed to be launched on August 8 by Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary.
The plant is being established under the Tirhut Dugdh Utpadak Sahkari Sangh (TIMUL), a unit of the Bihar State Milk Cooperative Federation (COMFED).
30-Tonne Daily Production Capacity
The fully automated plant will have the capacity to produce an additional 30 metric tonnes of milk powder every day.
The facility will process surplus milk into:
- Skimmed milk powder
- Whole milk powder
Modern spray-drying technology and automated control systems will be used at the plant to maintain production quality and food safety standards.
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Surplus Milk to Be Procured from Farmers
A major objective is to ensure regular procurement of surplus milk from north Bihar’s dairy farmers at stable prices. Converting surplus milk into powder will enable long-term storage, support higher production and help meet market demand.
Boost to Bihar’s Dairy Processing Capacity
The Sitamarhi plant is expected to boost Bihar’s dairy processing capacity by converting surplus milk into longer-lasting products. It will improve milk utilisation and strengthen the marketing potential of Sudha dairy products.
Local Employment Opportunities
The project is expected to create new direct and indirect employment opportunities in Sitamarhi and surrounding areas.
The employment impact could extend beyond the plant itself through activities linked to milk procurement, transportation, processing, packaging and distribution.
The project is therefore expected to contribute to regional economic activity alongside strengthening the dairy supply chain.
Wider Benefits for Dairy Farmers
For dairy farmers, a stronger milk procurement and processing network can provide greater market access for surplus production.
The plant’s ability to convert milk into powder will also help create greater flexibility in handling milk supplies, particularly when production exceeds immediate market demand.
The initiative is expected to support:
- Better utilisation of surplus milk
- More stable milk procurement
- Greater processing and value addition
- New direct and indirect employment
Strengthening the Sudha Brand
The project is also expected to strengthen the market potential of Sudha, Bihar’s prominent dairy brand.
With additional processing capacity and the ability to manufacture milk powder, the dairy cooperative system will have greater scope to diversify its product portfolio and respond to changing market requirements.
Strengthening Bihar’s Dairy Economy
The Sitamarhi milk powder plant represents an effort to strengthen Bihar’s dairy infrastructure from milk procurement to processing and marketing.
By creating additional capacity for surplus milk, the ₹77 crore project is expected to support dairy farmers, generate local employment and contribute to the broader growth of the state’s dairy economy.
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