Amul model likely for Sikkim

The Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), the largest co-operative body of India, is likely to help in the setting up of a Amul-like co-operative dairy in Sikkim.

The federation is also toying with the idea of providing the technical knowhow for a similar project in Pakistan.

An eight member delegation from Sikkim, headed by the state minister of animal husbandry Kalawati Subba, had last week expressed interest in replicating the Amul model in Sikkim.

The delegation visited a village dairy co-operative society, the Amul cheese plant, Vidya dairy, GCMMF and the Amul dairy plant. "It was very inspirational and a great learning experience. We are taking the message to our place," Subba said.

GCMMF chief general manager R S Sodhi said: "The Amul model has attracted the delegation from Sikkim. The team has asked us for our support to develop their dairy sector. We have assured all possible support from GCMMF to Subba and other officials from the state."

GCMMF managing director B M Vyas also assured the help of the federation in marketing the dairy produces in the state based on Amul Pattern.

The delegation included S Paljor, principal director, animal husbandry, Kamal Gurung, managing director of Sikkim Co-operative Milk Producers' Union, and C K Rao, chairman, Sikkim Dairy Producers Pvt Ltd.

At present, GCMMF has its operations in Sikkim and manufactures Gouda Cheese that caters to the niche market segment.

It may be recalled that GCMMF had recently launched its operations in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) following the interest expressed by the J&K chief minister Mufti Mohammad Sayed.

Earlier, Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation had also announced its willingness to replicate the Amul model in Sri Lanka and some African countries. It is waiting for nods from the governments of India and Lanka before going ahead.