Leh, May 27: The Municipal Committee (MC) Leh and the Ladakh Milk Federation on Tuesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish integrated “Ladakh Oma” Milk Parlours alongside Water ATM facilities across Leh town, in an initiative aimed at strengthening local dairy entrepreneurship while improving public utility services.
Under the agreement, the Ladakh Milk Federation will set up and operate dedicated milk kiosks at existing Water ATM locations and will also undertake maintenance and operational management of the adjacent drinking water facilities.
The MoU was signed by Executive Officer, MC Leh, Stanzin Rabgais, and Managing Director, Ladakh Milk Federation, Manoj Solanki, in the presence of officials from both organisations.
Officials said the initiative was designed to address operational challenges related to upkeep of Water ATMs while simultaneously providing retail space for sale of locally produced dairy products marketed under the “Ladakh Oma” brand.
The integrated model is expected to improve access to clean drinking water for residents and tourists while creating a steady market platform for dairy farmers associated with the cooperative federation.
Chief Operating Officer of Ladakh Milk Federation, Dr. Stanzin Thakchos, described the initiative as a collaborative approach linking urban civic services with rural economic empowerment. He said the project would support local dairy farmers by expanding market access for milk products and generating additional employment opportunities for youth through operation and maintenance of the kiosks and Water ATMs.
Officials stated that the first phase of the integrated parlour and Water ATM facilities is expected to be rolled out in the coming weeks ahead of the peak summer tourist season in Leh.
The initiative is also expected to strengthen cooperative-based dairy farming in the region while improving civic amenities
