Diplomat Correspondent
Leh, DD, In a major step towards 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, the first village of Ladakh.This initiative is a testament to HDFC Bank Parivartan’s commitment to women’s income enhancement and rural development in remote regions.
The event was attended by Executive Councillor, LAHDC Leh, Stanzin Chosphel, along with, 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 his gratitude to HDFC Bank Parivartan and PHIA Foundation for their crucial role in making this initiative a reality. He emphasized that HDFC Bank Parivartan’s support has played a pivotal role in creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for women in this remote and far-flung region. He further assured that LAHDC Leh is committed to enhancing the project’s impact by constructing a permanent structure and setting up a retail shop on the National Highway (Manali road) to market the dairy products. Additionally, he announced plans to provide two milking machines for two farmers of Lalungma Diary group and organize an exposure tour to Anand, Gujarat, further boosting their skills and knowledge.
The newly established Milk Processing Unit (MPU) is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and has the capacity to process 1,000 liters of milk daily, handling both cow and yak milk. It is designed to produce high-quality dairy products, including traditional Vedic Bilona Ghee, cheese, butter, paneer, and fresh milk, ensuring purity and nutritional value through strict quality control standards.
Project Lead Tundup Wangail provided an overview of Project Himalaya, detailing how the MPU will increase women farmers’ income by eliminating middlemen, ensuring fair and timely payments, and creating direct market access for dairy products. He highlighted how HDFC Bank Parivartan’s support has been instrumental in introducing modern processing methods that enhance productivity and profitability.
Project Manager Mohd Ali Waziri congratulated the women of Gya, Meru, Upshi, Sasoma, and Rumtse, emphasizing that the operationalization of this dairy unit will transform their economic landscape. He reaffirmed Phia foundation with support of HDFC Bank Parivartan’s commitment to developing the milk value chain and strengthening the agricultural economy in Ladakh. He further noted that the initiative would also create local employment opportunities and encourage sustainable practices such as eco-friendly packaging and waste minimization.
It is worth mentioning that before the official inauguration of the Lalungma Dairy Unit, Desert Resource Center’s dairy expert, Romal Singh, provided comprehensive training to around 80 women from the region on making soap,cheese, and ghee, equipping them with essential skills.
The event concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks by the association’s treasurer, Tsering Chosdon who deeply appreciated the visionary support of HDFC Bank Parivartan and PHIA Foundation. He acknowledged their collective efforts in establishing this dairy unit in an extremely remote area, creating a sustainable and long-term source of income for local women farmers.
All stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to collaboration, ensuring that this initiative continues to drive economic empowerment, sustainability, and growth in Ladakh’s dairy sector.DD
