Banas Dairy, BBSSL partner for potato value chain

INDIA – Banas Dairy has formed a strategic partnership with Bharatiya Beej Sahakari Samiti Ltd. (BBSSL) to develop a complete seed-to-market potato value chain.

The project focuses on producing clean, high-quality seed potatoes through tissue-culture and aeroponic technologies. These methods reduce disease risk and improve crop performance.

BBSSL will manage seed development, while Banas Dairy will support farmers with training, inputs and market connections.

Banaskantha already plays an important role in potato cultivation, and the new value chain seeks to raise productivity across the region.

Farmers will gain access to reliable seeds, scientific farming practices and assured buyers. This combination gives them a stable income stream and reduces dependence on milk alone.

The partnership also expands Banas Dairy’s identity. It now acts not just as a milk cooperative but as a wider agribusiness facilitator. The dairy’s strong rural network, technical teams and cooperative structure offer a ready platform for crop-based value-chain growth.

By diversifying into potatoes, Banas Dairy creates greater economic resilience for its members.

It helps farmers withstand price swings in the dairy sector and improves year-round earnings. The model also supports national goals for crop diversification and sustainable agriculture.

Success will depend on regular training, efficient coordination and steady market demand.

If the plan works as expected, the initiative could become a model for how dairy cooperatives can link milk, crops and modern agri-technologies to uplift rural livelihoods.

Shankar Chaudhary re-elected as chairman of Banas Dairy

Recently, the company re-elected Shankar Chaudhary as the chairman of Banas Dairy, Asia’s largest dairy cooperative, for the third consecutive term.

The board of directors also approved the name of Bhavabhai Rabari for the post of vice-chairman. Both will serve a term of 2.5 years.

In the recently held board elections, 15 out of 16 seats were filled unopposed, while only the Danta seat saw a contest, which a BJP-supported candidate eventually won.

Following the results, the board meeting formally re-elected Chaudhary and Rabari to their respective posts.

Expressing gratitude, Chaudhary said, “The growth of Banas Dairy has been possible because of the trust and support of our lakhs of milk producers. We aim to take Banas Dairy to global heights and ensure more benefits for our farmers.”

Established by Galbabhai Nanajibhai Patel, Banas Dairy now operates across eight states, with over 3.76 lakh members and an annual turnover exceeding Rs 20,000 crore.

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