-By Shahira Thapa
On 25th December 2025, the Shree Kamalamai Social Entrepreneur Women’s Dairy Cooperative proudly inaugurated its Milk Collection and Chilling Center at Kamalamai-04, Sindhuli, turning a three-year dream into reality. The center is equipped with KOICA-supported infrastructure, including a 2-ton milk chilling tank, two 500-liter deep freezers, one milk analyzer, a 55-inch LED monitor, and a milk-can collection vehicle, ensuring efficient operations and quality milk management.
Three years ago, something quietly transformative arrived in Kamalamai: 80 Korean Holstein cows, a generous gift from Korea through the Passing On The Gift (PoG). More than improved livestock, these cows brought a spark of possibility. For the women farmers of Kamalamai Municipality, it marked the start of a shared vision of healthier cows, higher milk yields, and freedom from long and uncertain journeys to distant markets. Above all, they dreamed of owning a milk collection center built by women, led by women, and firmly rooted in their community.
Today, that dream stands in brick and mortar. The Milk Collection and Chilling Center now serves over 300 cooperative members, turning hope into daily reality. Milk is collected locally, fair returns are earned with dignity, and women’s leadership is shaping the future of the dairy value chain.
A Moment of Pride
The inauguration was graced by Hon. Indra Bahadur Baniya, Chief Minister of Bagmati Province, alongside Mr. Upendra Kumar Pokharel, Mayor of Kamalamai Municipality; Mr. Gauriman Shrestha from the Directorate of Livestock and Fisheries Development; and Mr. Sujan Kandel, Planning and Monitoring Chief at the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development. Their presence underscored a shared belief that rural transformation thrives when women farmers are trusted, supported, and empowered.
A Journey Built on Trust
Dr. Tirtha Raj Regmi, Country Director of Heifer International Nepal, highlighted the Milky Way Project’s long-standing commitment to inclusive rural development. What began as livelihood support has evolved into a farmer-centered movement introducing improved breeds, modern husbandry practices, and cooperative-led market systems, placing producers at the heart of the dairy value chain.
Through strong partnerships and community ownership, smallholder dairy farming in Kamalamai has grown into a dignified and market-oriented enterprise led decisively by women. The Mayor of Kamalamai reaffirmed municipal support while emphasizing continued growth and long-term sustainability.
Provincial Support for a Growing Vision
Chief Minister Baniya commended the cooperative’s remarkable progress and reaffirmed the provincial government’s continued support. This includes assistance for establishing a silage plant, targeted support for low-income families, and critical infrastructure upgrades, particularly improved road access to the Milk Collection and Chilling Center. Previously, poor road conditions made daily milk delivery difficult. The upgraded access will now significantly ease farmers’ travel and ensure more reliable milk collection.
Highlighting the introduction of purebred Holstein cows, the Chief Minister underscored the pivotal role of women-managed cooperatives in driving sustainable and transformative change within local communities.
When Women Lead, Communities Rise
Ms. Guna Kumari Ghimire, President of the dairy cooperative, reflected on the journey:
“Exactly three years ago today, 80 Korean Holstein cows arrived in our village. Today, on the same date, we inaugurated our own Milk Collection and Chilling Center.”
The cooperative has grown from 23 farmers collecting 119 liters of milk daily to more than 180 farmers supplying around 1,800 liters each day. It currently ensures stable market access through Sujal Dairy and is preparing to manage independent marketing channels in the future. Beyond milk collection, the cooperative has established savings systems, invested in infrastructure, and strengthened trust among its members. For many women, this marks the first time their labor has translated into steady income, financial confidence, and a respected voice within both their households and the wider community.
A Dream Still Growing
Under the Milky Way Project, more than 500 households have adopted modern dairy practices. Guided by the motto “from farmers’ shed to consumers’ doorstep,” the cooperative prioritizes quality, transparency, and accountability. These values have helped earn strong trust in the market. The provision of feed and silage has further improved productivity and animal health across the community.
With all Holstein cows calved and expecting again, the cooperative is already envisioning its next milestone. Plans are underway to establish a boutique dairy that will enable value-added products, diversification, and new local economic opportunities.
The celebration concluded with Khuwa, a traditional dairy delicacy made from milk collected at the center, symbolizing local achievement and shared community pride.
More Than a Building
The inauguration celebrated courage, collaboration, and belief. The Milk Collection and Chilling Center stands as clear proof that when women are entrusted with responsibility, they transform communities.
Looking ahead, the center will serve as a learning hub for farmers across Nepal by sharing lessons, inspiring others, and multiplying impact. With over 300 women actively engaged in a structured dairy value chain and supported by partnerships with the Government of Nepal, Kamalamai Municipality, KOICA, Heifer International Korea, Heifer International Nepal, and SIDS Nepal, the cooperative has established a sustainable model that delivers improved market access and financial stability.
The Milky Way Project continues to strengthen women’s leadership by promoting modern farming techniques, animal husbandry, and climate-smart practices. It also focuses on milk quality management and digital monitoring of a high-quality nucleus herd established for cow breeding and improved dairy technologies.
“This is more than milk production. It is independence, resilience, and a future reshaped by women.”
From 80 cows to a thriving women-led enterprise, Kamalamai proves that when women lead, communities rise.
