What to Expect from the Banas Dairy Election?

Palanpur, Sep 16 (NationPress) The election timetable for Asia's largest dairy cooperative, Banas Dairy, was unveiled on Tuesday, igniting the potential for an intense political showdown.

The vote counting is scheduled for October 11.

Speculation is in the air regarding the formation of a rival panel this year, which adds to the political excitement surrounding this esteemed cooperative. A series of discussions amongst political figures and cooperative leaders has already commenced, heightening the intrigue.

Experts note that this election is attracting unprecedented attention, with political strategists, dairy industry stakeholders, and members visibly enthusiastic. The results of the Banas Dairy elections often have broader political implications in North Gujarat.

The election timeline has been set: nomination forms can be submitted from September 16 to 22, with the scrutiny of these nominations taking place on September 23.

The approved nominations list will be published on September 24, and September 29 marks the last day for withdrawal of nominations. The final list of candidates will be announced on September 30, leading up to the vote counting on October 11.

As campaigning ramps up in the coming days, the Banas Dairy election is poised to become a closely monitored political event within Gujarat’s cooperative landscape.

Banas Dairy, based in Palanpur, Banaskantha district of Gujarat, is renowned as Asia's largest milk producers' cooperative and a vital member of the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF).

Founded in 1969, Banas Dairy was established to bolster the cooperative movement championed by Verghese Kurien during the White Revolution, ensuring fair compensation for farmers while creating a robust supply chain for milk and dairy products.

Starting with a modest collection of a few thousand litres of milk per day, the cooperative has experienced remarkable growth, gathering over 90 lakh litres of milk daily from more than 15 lakh farmers across Banaskantha and neighboring areas.

Today, Banas Dairy operates advanced processing facilities in Palanpur, Faridabad, Kanpur, Lucknow, and Varanasi, producing a variety of products including milk, butter, ghee, ice cream, cheese, and packaged goods. The cooperative has also expanded into cattle feed, bakery items, and value-added dairy products, further enhancing its revenue streams.

Financially, Banas Dairy is a titan in India's cooperative sector, boasting an annual turnover surpassing Rs18,000 crore (2023–24 estimates), making it a pivotal economic driver not only for North Gujarat but also for the rural economy of the state. Its evolution from a small district dairy union to an industry leader showcases the success of Gujarat's cooperative model and its power to uplift millions of farmers through collective progress.