K Rathnam
India's dairy industry is a vital sector that contributes significantly to the country's economy, and within it, women have emerged as a powerful force. Their active participation and empowerment have brought about transformative changes, not only within the industry but also in the social fabric of rural communities.
“Women in India's dairy industry have broken traditional gender roles and are assuming leadership positions across various dairy-related activities, ” shares K Rathnam. They actively engage in dairy farming, managing milk cooperatives, processing value-added dairy products, and even venturing into entrepreneurial activities. Through their dedication and hard work, women have not only contributed to the economic development of their families but have also played a significant role in the growth and sustainability of the dairy sector. They have been able to generate income, gain economic independence, and empower themselves, leading to a positive transformation in rural communities.
Recognizing the invaluable contributions of women in the dairy industry, the Government of India has launched several initiatives to empower and support them. One such initiative is the National Dairy Plan for Dairy Development, which aims to provide financial assistance, training programs, and infrastructure support to women-led dairy cooperatives. The plan focuses on enhancing technical skills, improving market linkages, and ensuring quality control of milk products.
Additionally, various state governments have implemented schemes such as the Mahila Dairy Scheme and Stree Shakti Dairy Cooperative Societies to promote women's entrepreneurship in the dairy sector.
“I applaud the government for planning these initiatives targeting women as they are the ground workers who form the backbone of this sector. More such programs should be implemented especially empowering women with the know-how and the core business of the dairy sector. “Shares K Rathnam Milky Mist CEO, an expert in the food and dairy industry and CEO of Milky Mist says
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has played a crucial role in empowering women in the dairy sector through the establishment of self-help groups (SHGs) and the implementation of capacity-building programs. ICAR focuses on enhancing women's skills in areas such as dairy farming, milk processing, value addition, and marketing. By providing technical guidance, training, and market linkages, ICAR has enabled women to become successful dairy entrepreneurs. The ICAR's initiatives have led to increased milk productivity, improved income generation, and social empowerment in rural areas. These efforts have not only uplifted individual women but have also contributed to the overall development and sustainability of the dairy industry, leading to rural prosperity.
According to the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, the implementation of dairy programs has resulted in a significant shift in women's engagement. Before these programs, women allocated 30% of their time to agricultural labor. However, with the introduction of dairy initiatives, their dedication to dairy activities increased to 50%, yielding higher returns. Impressive statistics highlight the growing participation of women in the dairy sector, with over 0.32 million women serving in village-level dairy cooperative societies' management committees. Additionally, 354 women hold positions on the boards of milk unions and state federations. Notably, India boasts approximately 25, 000 exclusive women's dairy cooperative societies, further emphasizing women's active involvement and empowerment in the dairy industry.
Despite the progress made, women in the dairy industry face several challenges. Limited access to resources, including finance, technology, and information, restricts their ability to scale up their operations. Additionally, societal norms and gender biases often pose obstacles to their progress. However, these challenges are being addressed through collaborative efforts. NGOs, industry associations, and government agencies are working together to provide women with access to credit, training programs, and market linkages. Capacity-building initiatives and skill development programs are being conducted to enhance women's knowledge and equip them with the necessary tools to succeed in the dairy sector.
K Rathnam says, “I believe the dairy sector truly represents women empowerment, it is not only a business for women it is also about the heartfelt nurture and care that they give to these animals that feed the entire nation. Women are the backbone of the dairy sector and if we concentrate on bringing them to the forefront, the dairy sector can reach new heights.” Through active involvement, women have reshaped the industry and empowered themselves and their communities. Government initiatives, in conjunction with the determination and resilience of women, have paved the way for progress and transformation.