Ahmedabad, July 2025 — Gujarat’s dairy landscape is undergoing a profound transformation, with women emerging as key drivers of cooperative growth and rural prosperity. According to new data from the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), women now constitute 32% of the state’s 36 lakh dairy members, indicating a significant increase in both participation and leadership.
This shift isn’t just symbolic—it’s structural and economic in nature.
💪 Women’s Cooperatives: Driving Growth in Milk and Money
Between 2020 and 2025:
- The number of women-run dairy cooperatives rose 21%, from 3,764 to 4,562 societies.
- Daily milk procurement from these societies increased by 39%, rising from 41 lakh litres to 57 lakh litres per day.
- Women-led units now account for 26% of Gujarat’s total milk procurement—a clear sign of systemic inclusion.
This dairy-driven empowerment has also translated into economic gains:
🧑💼 Women in Governance: Changing the Power Structure
Beyond production, women are now claiming space in cooperative governance:
- 82 women now serve as directors on dairy union boards across Gujarat.
- Women constitute 25% of all board members in 2025—a remarkable step toward gender-balanced leadership.
This inclusive governance model is redefining Gujarat’s dairy cooperatives, creating a framework where rural women not only contribute but also lead operations, make strategic decisions, and influence policy at the grassroots level.
“The Gujarat model proves that cooperative platforms can be transformational for women when given access, voice, and capital,” said an official from GCMMF.
“This is not just women’s empowerment—it’s rural economic reinvention.”
🌍 A Model for India’s Dairy Sector
With India’s dairy sector employing over 1.5 crore women, Gujarat’s success offers a scalable template for other states. Experts believe that supporting women through targeted cooperative reforms, financial literacy, leadership training, and infrastructure investment can amplify rural income, improve milk quality, and strengthen the resilience of India’s dairy economy.
This progress aligns with national goals under ‘Sahkar se Samriddhi’ and supports broader calls for gender-equal agricultural development.
