Women Pioneering Change in Kamalamai’s Model Dairy Cooperative
-By Shahira Thapa
Shree Kamalamai Social Entrepreneurs Women’s Dairy Cooperative is transforming Nepal’s dairy sector. Launched in 2024 as part of the Korea-Nepal Model Dairy Village in Sindhuli, this women-led initiative has transformed dairy farming into a professional and sustainable business. Today, it serves as a learning hub, inspiring smallholder dairy farmers across Nepal to adopt innovative dairy practices and uplift their communities.
From Self-Help Groups to a Thriving Dairy Cooperative
What began as 13 small Self-Help Groups (SHG) under the Milky Way Project led to the establishment of the women-led dairy cooperative in April 2024. Guna Kumari Ghimire, the cooperative’s president, recalls their humble beginnings:
| “At first, we didn’t even have a dedicated workspace—we used to joke that we were ‘carrying the cooperative in our bags’ whenever people asked where it was. But today, we have a rented office, a milk collection center, and a dedicated learning and training facility. We’ve grown into a thriving Model Dairy Cooperative within a Model Dairy Village. Now, Kamalamai Municipality is recognized not only for being a Model Dairy Village but also for our Model Dairy Cooperative.” |
Empowering Women Through Innovation for Sustainable Dairy Farming
The cooperative is dedicated to enhancing the economic well-being of farmers, particularly women, by equipping them with specialized training through the Milky Way Project. This training covers modern farming techniques, animal husbandry, shed management, milk production, climate-smart farming, and digital monitoring, among other skills.
Building on strategic partnerships and collaboration, dairy farmers were initially introduced to record-keeping practices, gaining insights into their importance and benefits. They began maintaining farm records using booklets, laying the foundation for better farm management. With advancements in technology, a digital record-keeping application—the Farm Management Decision Support Tool—has been introduced to further enhance efficiency. This innovative platform enables farmers to track essential data, including production, health, and financial records, while also serving as a valuable connection to experts for real-time guidance. Additionally, its automated notifications empower farmers to make well-informed decisions, strengthening their overall farm management practices.
Farmers have enhanced efficiency and sustainability by switching from plastic to durable steel milk cans. Through strategic partnerships and collaboration, the project has also introduced biogas systems, allowing them to recycle cow manure for energy and use the byproduct as organic fertilizer to grow healthier crops and vegetables. To address water scarcity, farmers have received water storage tanks to ensure a sufficient water supply for cleaning cows and sheds. They also cultivate their own fodder and forages, with saplings supported in partnership of the project and the cooperative, ensuring food security for their cattle.
Access to finance has also been simplified, enabling dairy farmers to secure loans more easily through Heifer’s Access to finance (A2F) initiative. With support from the Milky Way Project, the Government of Nepal, and local partners, the cooperative plans to expand its dairy product line using the boutique dairy model.
A significant milestone in this effort is the establishment of a Boutique Dairy on land provided by Kamalamai Municipality. This facility will empower women entrepreneurs to produce high-value dairy products, ensuring better market positioning. Additionally, plans are underway to develop a silage plant, ensuring a sustainable supply of high-quality cattle feed, thereby enhancing productivity and strengthening the dairy value chain.
Through innovation, strategic collaboration, and women’s empowerment, the cooperative is laying the foundation for a more inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous future for Nepal’s dairy farmers.
A Boon for Dairy Farmers
What started as a grassroots movement has now integrated over 300 women dairy farmers into an organized dairy value chain. With backing from Heifer International Nepal, Heifer International Korea, Kamalamai Municipality, and SIDS Nepal (a local partner NGO), the cooperative is establishing a sustainable business model that ensures better market access and financial stability for local farmers.
A game-changing development was the introduction of Holstein cows from Korea, propelling farmers toward commercial dairy farming. Today, the cooperative boasts a milk collection center, a training hub, and a financial support system through Heifer’s Access to Finance initiative(A2F) to assist farmers in transitioning from subsistence-level dairy farming to a business-oriented approach.
Purna Kumari Thapa, a cooperative member, shares her experience:
| “Before joining the cooperative, selling milk was uncertain, with no guaranteed buyers or consistent income. Now, as a member, I benefit from training, quality feed, and a dependable market with reliable payments through the cooperative’s milk collection center. I can now concentrate on caring for my Holstein cow and increasing milk production. This stable income has improved my family’s financial situation, and I feel empowered to shape a better future.” |
Overcoming Challenges, Sustaining Growth
The journey of Shree Kamalamai Social Entrepreneurs Women’s Dairy Cooperative has not been without challenges. Securing infrastructure, adapting Holstein cows to Sindhuli’s climate, and accessing technical and financial resources were significant hurdles. The farmers faced difficulties in maintaining the health and productivity of the high-yielding breed in a different environment. Additionally, a lack of proper financial channels made it hard for farmers to access loans and expand their dairy businesses.
However, a strategic partnership with Heifer has facilitated collaboration with local government bodies, banks, technical experts, and private institutions, helping the cooperative overcome these challenges. Through Heifer’s Access to Finance (A2F) initiative, farmers gained easier financial access, securing easy bank loans for expansion, while specialized training ensured proper animal care.
The results speak for themselves. Nearly all Holstein cows have given birth, with some expecting for the second time—demonstrating successful breed adaptation. Market access has also improved significantly through a partnership with Sujal Dairy Nepal, ensuring a stable demand for milk. Since its establishment in October 2024, the Milk Collection Center’s daily intake has increased from 500 to 1,300 liters, showcasing the cooperative’s rapid growth.
Looking ahead, Narayan Babu Dhakal, who works at the collection center, envisions even greater expansion:
| “We aim to handle thousands more liters daily. The addition of a high-capacity chilling vat will enhance storage, expand sales opportunities, and ensure the long-term sustainability of our milk collection center.” |
Through resilience, collaboration, and strategic planning, the cooperative continues to strengthen Nepal’s dairy sector, empowering women and ensuring a more sustainable future.
Vision for 2025 and Beyond
The cooperative aspires to be a national model for women-led dairy entrepreneurship by expanding production, generating employment, and advancing Nepal’s dairy sector. In collaboration with stakeholders and the Nepalese government, Guna Kumari Ghimire outlined their key goals for 2025 and beyond:
- Achieving full independence and sustainability.
- Expanding membership and increasing milk production.
- Implementing a digital livestock management system.
- Training other women-led dairy cooperatives.
- Strengthening financial literacy programs for farmers.
- Constructing a dedicated cooperative building with a milk collection center and training facility.
- Establishing a silage plant for high-quality cattle feed.
- Expanding the dairy product line under the boutique dairy model.
- Successfully launching and operating the Boutique Dairy.
By prioritizing innovation, collaboration, and women’s leadership, the cooperative is shaping a more resilient and prosperous future for Nepal’s dairy industry.
Women Leading the Future of Dairy Farming
Shree Kamalamai Social Entrepreneurs Women’s Dairy Cooperative is proving that sustainable farming is about more than just livestock—it’s about strengthening communities. By prioritizing women’s leadership and economic empowerment, the cooperative is transforming Nepal’s dairy industry and inspiring future women agripreneurs.
This women-led movement is about more than just milk production. It is about transforming livelihoods, fostering independence, and pioneering a new era for Nepal’s dairy sector. With their sights set on establishing a Boutique Dairy and achieving full self-sufficiency, these visionary women are proving that collective effort and strategic vision can reshape an entire industry. Their journey serves as an inspiration for communities across Nepal.
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