Assam’s largest dairy cooperative, Purabi Dairy, emphasised on the “power of women” on the occasion of international women’s day at a function in Guwahati on March 8.
The dairy cooperative acknowledged and appreciated the contributions of the women who came forward to #BreakTheBias, which is the theme of International Women’s Day 2022. It also provided a platform for exchange of ideas and sharing of experiences between the dairy farmers who actively took part in the function. The event also provided an exposure visit for the visitors to Purabi Dairy’s milk processing plant in Guwahati.
The women dairy farmers interacted with livestock entrepreneur Runa Rafique and Dr Nilakshi Phukan Kumar, director at Gynaec Centre, Guwahati.
Entrepreneur Runa Rafique is associated with women poultry farming and building clusters. She is currently leading two brands named “Dhuwasang” and “Saraighat”.
On the other hand, Dr Nilakshi Phukan Kumar has an experience of 25+ years and is currently practicing at Down Town Hospital in Guwahati. Since women’s health and well-being is one of the main concerns in today’s fast paced life, Kumar addressed these concerns for the participants.
Speaking at the event, Satya Brata Bose, managing director at West Assam Milk Producers’ Cooperative Union Limited (WAMUL), said: “Today, we feel proud to celebrate the power of women at WAMUL. Women play a crucial role across all the operations of the brand. Right from dairy farmers to various departments at WAMUL, be it procurement & inputs, human resources, purchase, training & development, marketing, veterinary executive or the liquid milk processing plant, women have made their contributions felt in every aspect that makes WAMUL the biggest milk cooperative of the region.”
The cooperative mentioned that out of more than 16,000 dairy farmers associated with Purabi Dairy, a staggering 6,800 are women dairy farmers, which is more than 40% of the dairy farmers. Also, out of 28 female employees at Purabi Dairy, 18 of them are in leadership roles in various disciplines, a statement said.
During the day-long celebration, the women farmers spoke of their experiences while working with the brand and shared how Purabi Dairy has created newer avenues and uplifted their lives to help maintain a better livelihood.
