Administrative Secretary, Cooperative Department, UT Ladakh, Bhupesh Chaudhary, IAS, along with Administrative Secretary, Rural Development Department, UT Ladakh, Shashanka Ala, IAS, visited the Phanday Milk and Dairy Cooperative Society Ltd. at Matho village on January 24 to review its functioning and interact with local dairy farmers.

The visit aimed to assess grassroots-level challenges and explore measures to strengthen dairy-based cooperative initiatives and improve rural livelihoods in the region.

An interactive meeting was held with members of the society, during which farmers shared their experiences, concerns and suggestions related to dairy farming, fodder availability and cooperative development. The Administrative Secretaries emphasised the need for convergence between cooperative and rural development schemes to ensure sustainable income generation for farmers.

During the interaction, the Phanday Milk and Dairy Cooperative Society submitted a memorandum highlighting several key demands. Members said incessant rainfall during August–September 2025 had severely damaged the alfalfa crop, resulting in acute fodder shortages and financial distress. Administrative Secretary (Rural Development) Shashanka Ala assured farmers that the issue of compensation would be examined for appropriate support under relevant schemes.

The society also sought a dedicated milk transport vehicle, stating that Matho is one of Ladakh’s major milk-supplying villages and faces logistical challenges in transportation. Members further requested an exposure visit to Anand Dairy in Gujarat to learn best practices in dairy management and cooperative functioning.

Other issues relating to the long-term sustainability of the cooperative were also discussed. Emphasis was laid on updating the society’s membership records, as several active milk suppliers were not formally registered members. Farmers sought enhancement of existing cattle purchase subsidy schemes, citing their limited scope, and requested inclusion of vegetable produce from Matho village in Army procurement systems, similar to arrangements in other villages.

Matters concerning value addition and resource optimisation were also deliberated. The National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) was directed to organise awareness and training programmes on the utilisation of cow by-products, particularly for organic fertiliser production. Directions were also issued to coordinate with the Horticulture Department to promote compost fertilisers and ensure better utilisation of available schemes.

Villagers highlighted the persistent fodder shortage, which has forced some farmers to discontinue dairy farming. The society was advised to explore options for direct fodder procurement and the use of appropriate machinery.

Administrative Secretary (Cooperative) Bhupesh Chaudhary directed that provisions be made under the SDP budget for the distribution of milk vans to dairy cooperative societies. Concerns regarding the shortage of quality breeding bulls were also raised, and the department was urged to take steps to strengthen breeding support in the area.

The meeting was attended by the Deputy Registrar Cooperative, Leh; Assistant Registrar Cooperative, Leh; Inspector Cooperative, Leh; the concerned supervisor; and representatives of the National Dairy Development Board.