New Delhi (Agency): A significant step towards boosting dairy production in West Bengal has been announced by the state government. They have plans to construct a modern dairy project, the first of its kind since the 1970s, at Haringhata in the Nadia district. With an estimated budget of Rs 65.48 crore, this initiative marks a considerable investment in the region’s dairy industry.
Ice Make Refrigeration Limited is the successful contender for the turnkey contract, awarded by the West Bengal Livestock Development Corporation Limited (WBLDCL). The WBLDCL is the executing agency for Banglar Dairy Ltd, a company under the ownership of the state government’s animal resources department.
WBLDCL managing director Gouri Shankar Koner provided further details on the project. He revealed that the modern dairy project is planned to have a processing capacity of 1.5 lakh litres of milk. However, in its initial phase, it will handle one lakh litres a day. The new facility will be equipped to process fresh milk and to produce value-added milk products.
“This fresh public sector dairy project is coming up after decades, since the 1970s,” Koner said. The public can look forward to commercial production by September 2024.
The responsibility of Ice Make under this contract is extensive, as the company will be involved in multiple aspects of the project. This includes designing, supplying, installing, and commissioning civil, mechanical, and electrical work for the dairy. Initially, the dairy will be set up to handle 1.0 LLPD (Lakh Litres Per Day), with an expected expansion to 1.5 LLPD.
The project represents a significant milestone for Ice Make. Its CMD Chandrakant Patel confirmed this project is their largest order yet. He highlighted the company’s continuous market growth across various products and business verticals. Their new manufacturing facility, ICEBEST, located in West Bengal, was also successfully commissioned.
Research reports suggest a positive outlook for the dairy sector in Bengal. Growth is expected to continue in double digits over the next few years. Several private and cooperative entities are actively contributing to the state’s dairy industry. These include GCMMF (Amul), Mother Dairy (WBCMPF), Metro Dairy Ltd., and Red Cow Dairy.
