Sitajakhala Dugdha Utpadak Samabai Samiti (SDUSS), also known under Sitajakhala brand name is a cooperative milk producers' society based in Sitajakhala, Jagiroad, in the Morigaon district of Assam.[1] Established in 1958, it is the only milk producers' cooperative society in central Assam.[2]
| Sitajakhala | |
| Company type | Cooperative Society |
| Founded | 1958 |
| Headquarters | Sitajakhala, Jagiroad, Morigaon district, Assam, 782413 |
Area served | Middle Assam |
Key people | Ranjib Sharma (Chairman) |
| Products | Pasteurized Milk, Dairy Products |
| Website | https://sitajakhala.com |
Today, SDUSSL produces 15,000 liters of milk daily, with most of it being sold in the nearest towns and cities like Jagiroad, Morigaon, Nagaon and the capital Guwahati.[3]
History
editThe cooperative society is in an area where Gorkha or Nepali-origin people have been raising cattle since before Independence. After Independence, as the demand for milk increased, the community organized and collaborated to meet the market needs of nearby areas.[3]
The society was formally established in 1958 by 17 members, including key figures like Nandalal Upadhaya and Sabilal Sharma,[4] with the goal of eliminating middlemen from the milk trade and to create an organized marketing system for local milk producers, the society ensures that they receive fair prices for their products.[5] They began with just 27 liters of milk from local cows. Nandalal Upadhaya faced significant resistance, including life threats from middlemen, as he worked to unite farmers.[6]
In 1962, during the Chinese aggression, the society supplied milk to the Indian Army through the Central Dairy. Jersey cows were introduced in 1972 to boost production. On November 14, 2018, the society began distributing processed milk.[6][7]
Products
editSitajakhala produces various dairy products, including pasteurized milk, curd, ghee, paneer, butter, buttermilk, and lassi. These products not only meet local dietary needs but also support the economic sustainability of the cooperative.[6]
The society launched milk products under the Gonand brand in 2015.[8] However, it later discontinued this brand and began producing under the Sitajakhala brand.
References
edit- ^ Digital, Sentinel (2021-05-24). "Union Minister Rameswar Teli assures help to milk cooperative society". Sentinel Assam. Retrieved 2024-08-23.
- ^ Agricultural Situation in India (Volume 57, Issues 7-12 ed.). Publication Division, Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Ministry of Agriculture. Government of India. 2000.
- ^ a b Hassan, Ali Fauz. "New cow milk brand in town". Telegraph India. Retrieved 24 August 2024.
{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ Subba, Tanka Bahadur, ed. (2009). Indian Nepalis: issues and perspectives (1st ed.). New Delhi: Concept Publishing Company. ISBN 978-81-8069-446-2.
- ^ Agricultural Situation in India. Publication Division, Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Ministry of Agriculture. Government of India. 2000.
- ^ a b c Goswami, Jayanta K. (2019-07-31). "Sitajakhala: Assam's white revolution". EastMojo. Retrieved 2024-09-08.
- ^ Vajjhala, Narasimha Rao (2020). Opportunities and Strategic Use of Agribusiness Information Systems. IGI Global. p. 138. ISBN 9781799848509.
- ^ Karmakar, Rahul (2018-05-22). "A sweet break on Asian Highway 1". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 2024-09-08.