The ICA Asia-Pacific (ICA-AP) team undertook a two-day learning visit to Anand, Gujarat, home of the iconic Amul brand. The exchange offered deep insights into the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF) model, renowned for transforming rural livelihoods and creating one of the world’s largest dairy cooperatives, says a communication from ICA AP.
The visit also included a dialogue with the faculty of Tribhuvan Sahakari University (TSU), formerly the Institute of Rural Management Anand (IRMA).
The visit began at the state-of-the-art Amul Fed Dairy Plant, which processes over 6 million litres of milk daily. The team observed end-to-end dairy operations, from milk collection to the production of butter, milk powders, tetra packs, and ice creams, all maintained under stringent quality and automation standards. Emphasis on food safety and producer-consumer value balance emerged as key pillars of Amul’s enduring success.
On the ground, the team visited the Sandesar Milk Producers Cooperative Society, active since 1952 and currently supporting over 1,000 dairy farmers. With daily collections nearing 4,000 litres, the cooperative provides vital services like veterinary care, feed, and steady income to its members—underscoring the community-driven ethos of the Amul model.
Another highlight was the Amul Chocolate Factory in Mogar. Sourcing cocoa from CAMPCO, a Karnataka-based cooperative, the factory exemplifies cross-cooperative collaboration and product innovation. The factory produces a wide range of chocolates, including dark and sugar-free variants, showcasing Amul’s diversification strategy.
At GCMMF headquarters, the ICA-AP team engaged with senior leaders on Amul’s approach to balancing farmer welfare and consumer satisfaction. The prominence of the International Year of Cooperatives 2025 branding throughout Amul’s premises reinforced its global cooperative commitment.
The visit concluded at TSU, where discussions focused on modernising cooperative education, improving legal systems, and exploring ICA-AP–TSU collaborations in research, training, and storytelling.
The Anand visit reaffirmed the power of cooperative models in driving inclusive growth and highlighted the importance of continuous learning, innovation, and partnership in shaping a resilient cooperative future.
