Pune: Katraj Dairy to Invest Rs 100 Crore, Milk Output to Reach 3 Lakh Litres

Katraj, 25th September 2025: The Pune District Cooperative Milk Producers Association (Pune Dairy) is set to begin work on a state-of-the-art dairy expansion project at its headquarters in Katraj. The ambitious initiative aims to double the milk processing capacity of the association to three lakh litres per day.

The project, planned to be completed in approximately 18 months, is expected to cost around Rs 100 crore for development across the association’s five-acre land. Around 80 percent of the funds are planned to be raised through loans, with the remaining amount coming from the association’s internal resources.

The expansion will feature international-standard processing equipment, modern septic systems, enhanced cleanliness measures, and quality control facilities.

Speaking about the project, Adv. Swapnil Dhamdhare, President of the association, said, “The National Dairy Development Corporation (NDDB) has prepared a blueprint for the expansion project with financial support. The plan has been approved by the Governing Board, and we are committed to completing the project by the end of the year.”

Manoj Limaye, Administrative Director of the association, added, “Milk collection, processing, and distribution will be fully automated. This will allow us to redeploy manpower to other departments and efficiently handle increased demand. With the expanded capacity, we can supply milk in larger quantities from single collection points, meeting the needs of institutions that were previously underserved due to capacity limitations.”

The modernization is expected to boost production of new milk by-products, optimize workforce efficiency, and strengthen the association’s distribution network, ensuring a stable market for farmer members. Officials also anticipate significant local employment opportunities through the project.

Established sixty years ago, the Katraj dairy collects around 1.2 lakh litres of milk, curd, buttermilk, ghee, and other by-products daily. The new project is expected to substantially increase this capacity, leveraging modern technology to meet growing demand and improve operational efficiency.