Meet Ashokbhai Bhavsanghbhai Chaudhary, a leader in Indian dairy cooperative sector

NEW DELHI, October 7, 2024 — Born and brought up in a farming and milk-producing family, Mr. Ashokbhai Chaudhary earned a Diploma in Mechanical Engineering from Tolani Polytechnic Institute at Adipur, Kutch- Gujarat, India and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science.

As a dedicated farmer and animal husbandry practicing milk producer and stockman, Chaudhary became a primary member of the village milk cooperative society at Chitrodipura of Mehsana District, Gujarat -India in 2005 and became its Director in the year 2011. His leadership skills led to his election as Director of the Dudhsagar Dairy Board in 2015 and in 2021 as Chairman of the Mehsana District Cooperative Milk Producers Union Limited, known as DudhSagar Dairy [meaning “Ocean of Milk”].

Under his guidance, DudhSagar Dairy has thrived, serving over 0.6 million member milk producers of Mehsana District.

Chaudhary also serves as a Director on the Board of Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation Limited, famously known as “Amul.” Amul is a leading dairy cooperative brand in India with an annual turnover of US$ 7.2 billion in 2022-23 and projected annual growth of 18 percent.

Contributions and impacts

Throughout his career, Chaudhary has significantly contributed to the socio-economic development of rural and urban communities in Mehsana District in Gujarat. He has implemented fair and transparent policies at DudhSagar Dairy, ensuring enhanced prices and fair returns for milk producers. His initiatives include adopting new technologies, empowering women, establishing educational institutes, and creating social benefits and security schemes for member milk producers.

Chaudhary’s leadership has transformed DudhSagar Dairy into a model cooperative, demonstrating his commitment to improving efficiency and cost-effectiveness in the dairy value chain, from milk procurement to processing and marketing. His dedication to social welfare and economic development has earned him recognition as a champion of social and economic welfare in Gujarat, India, and globally.

As Chairman of the Dudhsagar Dairy Co-operative,  Chaudhary has exemplified visionary leadership and statesmanship, qualities integral to the OCDC International Cooperative Champion Award. His commitment to social and economic welfare through efficient management and innovative strategies has significantly influenced India’s cooperative sector, impacting rural and urban communities. Under his leadership, Dudhsagar Dairy, connected to over 1200 village-level cooperatives, has procured fresh milk from more than 600,000 farmer members, achieving the following significant milestones in 2023-24:

• Highest Turnover: Achieving an impressive turnover of US$ 900 million in 2023-24, a significant increase from US$ 600 in 2020-21.
• Record Milk Procurement: Procuring 1.20 billion liters of milk in 2023-24, up from 1.02 billion liters in 2020-21.
• Daily Procurement Peak: Reaching a maximum daily milk procurement of 4.2 million liters in 2023-24, compared to 3.4 million liters in 2020-21.
• Increased Purchase Price: Offering the highest purchase price of milk to member producers at US$ 11.19 per kilogram of fat in 2023-24, up from US$ 9.06 in 2020-21.

Mr. Chaudhary’s leadership as the Chairman of DudhSagar Dairy and Director of the Board of “Amul” has driven significant positive changes. His guidance has led to substantial annual benefits for the DudhSagar Dairy cooperative members through transparent and efficient administrative practices. He has Started Sagar Sainik School for National contribution.

These accomplishments highlight Chaudhary’s exceptional ability to drive growth, foster innovation, and enhance the livelihoods of cooperative members.

Strategic Partnerships and Innovations

Chaudhary secured US$ 1.9 million from the National Dairy Development Board for DudhSagar Dairy, facilitating 400 biogas plants and 2,200 sanctions under the Gobardhan Scheme. He implemented large-scale rainwater harvesting and introduced direct digital payments to farmers, enhancing financial transparency.

Educational and Social Contributions

Chaudhary has advanced DudhSagar Dairy’s Mansinhbhai Institute [MIDFT], upskilling milk producers into dairy technologists. Amidst COVID-19, he operationalized a Medical Oxygen Plant and distributed health drinks to 600,000 milk producers. His initiatives supported the community by adopting 453 malnourished children and providing veterinary aid during the lumpy skin disease outbreak.

Cooperative advancement

Chaudhary has consistently inspired and persuaded others to advance the cooperative system. Under his leadership, cooperative member milk producers benefited by U.S. $306 million over the last three years, with significant increases in procurement prices, animal feed affordability, and veterinary services.

A champion of the efficient utilization of sexed-semen artificial insemination technology he helped to significantly increase the conception rate and higher probability of female calves. This technology is provided at a concessional rate to member milk producers. His administration has also seen a substantial increase in final price distribution to members, with nearly 300 percent more final price distributed in 2023-24 compared to 2020-21.

Recognition and Lasting Impact

Recognised as a champion of positive change, the leadership of Chaudhary at DudhSagar Dairy has significantly enhanced cooperative practices and member benefits, including increased insurance for employees and milk producers, reduced veterinary fees, and promoted beekeeping and organic farming. His efforts led to DudhSagar Dairy’s highest turnover and milk procurement, benefiting its members. His dedication to cooperative principles and innovative approaches has transformed DudhSagar Dairy and set a global benchmark for excellence in cooperatives.

As told by Karim M. Maredia, Ph.D., Michigan State University

https://thecooperator.news/cannes-cooperatives-and-the-story-of-indias-white-revolution/

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