29th February 2024: In a remarkable collaboration, Tata Motors, the Ahmedabad District Co-operative Milk Producers Union Limited and the Gujarat Dairy Development Board, have ignited a new ‘White Revolution’ in and around Sanand. The initiative has catalysed a socio-economic transformation for the beneficiaries, enriching their lives with improved access to education and healthcare facilities, and elevating their status within the community. By leveraging technology and cooperatives, more than 1600 women from the distant regions of Sanand have brought about a remarkable change in the social and economic conditions of rural Gujarat.
India, the world’s largest milk producer, has a low per capita yield. Dairy farming, traditionally led by women from the Bharwar and Koli Patel communities in Sanand, serves as a supplementary income source. These women, often gifted a cow or buffalo as a wedding present, handle the entire dairy farming value chain, from fodder to milk sales.
Tata Motors, a few years ago, introduced these women to the benefits of cooperatives and technology to enhance their dairy output and income. This strategic intervention led to the introduction of Automated Milk Collection Systems and Bulk Milk Chilling Units, transforming the lives of over 4496 cooperative members across 32 villages. In addition to establishing infrastructure, Tata Motors has played a pivotal role in imparting essential training, thereby instilling hope and promoting sustainability within these communities.
Increased income has empowered these women to send their children to school and aspire for better opportunities. They have also improved maternal and child mortality rates by focusing on antenatal care. Tata Motors’ dairy development initiative has significantly improved the quality of life in these communities.
Mr. Vinod Kulkarni, CSR Head at Tata Motors, underscores, “Our mission at Tata Motors transcends beyond the confines of mere project execution. We see ourselves as catalysts for enduring change and growth within the communities we are privileged to serve. Our dairy initiatives exemplify our unwavering commitment to fostering hope and transformation. We are dedicated to continually nurturing a positive impact, empowering the society at its core. Our strategic partnership with Ahmedabad District Co-operative Milk Producers Union Limited and Gujarat Dairy Development Board is instrumental in propelling these transformative endeavours, empowering us to make a significant difference.”
Mr. Hemant B Patel, Ahmedabad District Cooperative Milk Producers Union Limited, highlighted, “Tata Motors has been a cornerstone in our community. Their unwavering commitment and cutting-edge technological advancements have not only boosted the local economy but also cultivated a spirit of collaboration. This partnership transcends the enhancement of the dairy industry; it actively generates sustainable opportunities for our communities, steering positive economic transformation in the region.
Through strategic collaborations, relentless support, and a vision for sustainable growth, this initiative continues to be a beacon of hope for rural communities.