Leh, Jan 24: The Union Territory Administration in Ladakh on Saturday examined issues related to milk transportation, fodder scarcity and subsidy support during a field visit to Phanday Milk and Dairy Cooperative Society Ltd. at Matho village, as senior officers undertook a ground-level review of the dairy sector in Leh district.
The review was led by the Administrative Secretary, Cooperative Department, UT Ladakh, Bhupesh Chaudhary, IAS, along with the Administrative Secretary, Rural Development Department, UT Ladakh, Shashanka Ala, IAS, who visited the cooperative to assess its functioning and directly interact with dairy farmers. The visit focused on understanding practical challenges faced by villagers and exploring ways to strengthen dairy-based livelihoods through better institutional support.
On arrival, the officers were received by the village head and the President of the Cooperative Society, who welcomed them with traditional khataks. This was followed by an interactive meeting in which members of the Society shared their experiences and raised concerns related to fodder availability, milk transport, cooperative membership and financial sustainability.
During the interaction, the Administrative Secretaries stressed the need for effective convergence between cooperative and rural development schemes so that dairy farming continues to remain a dependable source of income for farmers in Ladakh’s challenging conditions.
The Phanday Milk and Dairy Cooperative Society submitted a memorandum highlighting several issues affecting local dairy farmers. Members informed that continuous rainfall during August and September 2025 had caused extensive damage to the alpha grass crop, leading to acute fodder shortages and financial strain. Responding to the concern, Ms. Shashanka Ala, IAS, assured the farmers that the issue of compensation would be examined and taken up for support under applicable government schemes.
The Society also sought the provision of a dedicated milk transport vehicle, pointing out that Matho is among the major milk-supplying villages in Ladakh but faces serious logistical difficulties in transporting milk on time. Farmers further expressed interest in an exposure visit to Anand Dairy, Gujarat, to understand dairy management practices and cooperative operations.
Issues related to the long-term functioning of the cooperative were also discussed. Farmers highlighted the need to update membership records, as several active milk suppliers are not formally registered members of the Society. They also requested enhancement of cattle purchase subsidy schemes, stating that the existing provisions are inadequate for local conditions. Additionally, villagers demanded inclusion of vegetable produce from Matho village in Army procurement systems, on the pattern followed in other villages.
The meeting also focused on value addition and efficient use of resources. The National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) was instructed to organize awareness and training programmes on the use of cow by-products, particularly for organic fertilizer production. Directions were issued to coordinate with the Horticulture Department to promote compost fertilizers and ensure farmers benefit from available schemes.
Villagers pointed out that the shortage of fodder has already compelled some farmers to discontinue dairy farming. The Cooperative Society was advised to explore options for direct fodder procurement and the use of suitable machinery to address the issue. Concerns regarding the lack of quality breeding bulls were also raised, with farmers seeking stronger breeding support in the area.
Bhupesh Chaudhary, IAS, directed that provisions be explored under the SDP budget for supplying milk vans to dairy cooperative societies. He also assured that steps would be examined to improve breeding facilities and overall support for dairy cooperatives in Leh district.
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 (NDDB).
