In a significant step toward empowering women and strengthening the dairy sector in Ladakh, PHIA Foundation, with the unwavering support of HDFC Bank Parivartan, inaugurated the Lalungma Dairy Unit under Project Himalaya at Gya Meru, Ladakh’s first village on March 11. This initiative underscores HDFC Bank Parivartan’s commitment to enhancing women’s income and fostering rural development in remote regions.

The event was attended by Executive Councillor, LAHDC Leh, Stanzin Chosphel, Assistant Registrar Cooperative, Skarma, Managing Director of Ladakh UT Dairy Cooperative Federation Ltd., Manoj Solanki, Procurement Head LUTDCF, Shubham, representatives from Lalungma Dairy, and other dignitaries.

Addressing the gathering, EC Stanzin Chosphel expressed gratitude to HDFC Bank Parivartan and PHIA Foundation for their instrumental role in realizing this initiative. He emphasized that the project creates sustainable livelihood opportunities for women in this far-flung region.

He further assured that LAHDC Leh is committed to strengthening the project by, constructing a permanent dairy facility, establishing a retail outlet along the Manali-Leh Highway to market dairy products, providing two milking machines to farmers of the Lalungma Dairy group and organizing an exposure tour to Anand, Gujarat, to enhance skills and knowledge.

The newly established Milk Processing Unit (MPU) is equipped with modern technology and has a processing capacity of 1,000 liters of milk daily, handling both cow and yak milk. It is designed to produce high-quality dairy products such as: Vedic Bilona Ghee, Cheese, Butter, Paneer and Fresh Milk.

The unit ensures strict quality control standards, guaranteeing purity and nutritional value.

Project Lead, Tundup Wangail, provided an overview of Project Himalaya, explaining how the MPU will directly benefit women farmers by: Eliminating middlemen, ensuring fair and timely payments,  Providing direct access to the dairy market and Introducing modern processing methods to increase profitability.

Before the unit’s official inauguration, Desert Resource Center’s dairy expert, Romal Singh, conducted a comprehensive training program for around 80 women from Gya, Meru, Upshi, Sasoma, and Rumtse. Participants learned essential skills in soap making, cheese production, and ghee preparation, equipping them for economic self-reliance.

Project Manager, Mohd Ali Waziri, congratulated the women farmers on this milestone, highlighting that the dairy unit will transform the region’s economic landscape. He reaffirmed PHIA Foundation and HDFC Bank Parivartan’s commitment to strengthening the milk value chain, expanding the agricultural economy in Ladakh, creating local employment opportunities and encouraging eco-friendly packaging and waste reduction.

The event concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks by Tsering Chosdon, Treasurer of Lalungma Dairy, who lauded the visionary support of HDFC Bank Parivartan and PHIA Foundation. She acknowledged their efforts in establishing a sustainable income source for women farmers in one of Ladakh’s most remote regions.

All stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to collaboration, ensuring that this initiative continues to drive economic empowerment, sustainability, and growth in Ladakh’s dairy sector.