Amit Shah Launches Major Dairy and Cooperative Expansion Projects to Transform Ladakh’s Rural Economy

Leh, May 1, 2026: Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah inaugurated a series of major dairy infrastructure and cooperative development projects in Ladakh, marking a significant push toward strengthening rural livelihoods, women empowerment and economic self reliance in the Union Territory.

During the programme, Shah laid the foundation stone for a new dairy processing plant in Kargil with a capacity of 10,000 litres per day, built at a cost of ₹25 crore. He said the initiative would create sustainable livelihood opportunities for local women, enabling them to support their families and achieve financial independence through dairy based income generation.

Highlighting the transformative role of cooperatives, Shah noted that the project aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of strengthening grassroots economies through cooperative institutions.

He also launched the EMCS digital app, designed to allow milk producers to monitor their milk transactions transparently through a single digital platform, improving efficiency, trust and financial accountability.

An agreement signed between Ladakh Milk Federation and Mother Dairy was also announced, aimed at expanding the national market reach of Ladakh’s dairy and organic products, thereby integrating the region more effectively into India’s broader consumer network.

Shah said dairy development in Ladakh would be expanded significantly, with plans for a larger 50,000 litre per day dairy plant in Leh at an estimated cost of ₹70 crore.

He emphasized that India’s dairy sector has witnessed remarkable growth under the Modi government, with national milk production rising from 146 million tonnes in 2014 to 248 million tonnes, representing a 70 percent increase over the past decade.

The minister also announced future plans to establish cooperative societies in Ladakh focused on pashmina, honey and organic products to diversify rural incomes and strengthen local entrepreneurship.

Shah stated that Ladakh’s Union Territory status has accelerated regional development, with government expenditure increasing nearly six fold to ₹6,000 crore since 2019.

He highlighted infrastructure growth across the region, including expansion of roads, bridges, telecommunications, education facilities and water connectivity, along with recognition of five new districts and five official languages.

The minister also pointed to the establishment of the Sindhu Infrastructure Development Corporation as a major step toward accelerating industrial development in the strategically important border region.

Amit Shah praised the people of Ladakh for their longstanding patriotism and resilience, noting their vital role in safeguarding national borders during times of external threat.

He reiterated the government’s commitment to making Ladakh economically self sufficient through development, cooperative participation and targeted investment in local industries.

The initiatives collectively signal a broad strategy to transform Ladakh into a stronger, self reliant and economically vibrant region while preserving its strategic and cultural significance.