The three-tier cooperative structure
This structure consists of a dairy cooperative society at the village level affiliated to a milk union at the district level which in turn is federated into a milk federation at the state level. Milk collection is done at the village dairy society, milk procurement and processing at the District Milk Union and milk products marketing at the state milk federation. The structure was evolved at Amul in Gujarat and thereafter replicated all over the country under the Operation Flood programme. It is known as the 'Amul Model' or 'Anand Pattern' of dairy cooperatives.
Organizing a Society
To Harness the surplus milk available in the villages of the district, primary milk producers’ Co-operative societies are commissioned in the feasible areas involving following steps.
A requisition letter about the formation of a new DCS form the village people is received by the milk union.
This is followed by the survey by field extension officers about the breed able cattle population and surplus milk production in the village.
A Gramsabha is conducted after the survey in which 20 promoters are selected from the village. A chief promoter is selected among themselves who will be responsible for share collection assigned by Asst. Registrar of co-op societies.
The chief Promoter & Promoters together should collect at least a sum of Rs. 55,000/- & the amount is deposited in the DCC bank. He should then send a proposal to the milk union, which is followed by the registration of DCS by ARCS.
Among the members of the DCS, a board of 12 members is elected by themselves, consisting of General – 06, OBC – 02, Women – 02, SC – 01, and ST – 01 members. This structure ensures representation and upliftment of socially backward classes. The President for the requisite term is selected/elected from among the 12 directors. The fully-fledged board of the DCS employs a Secretary and a Milk Tester to carry out milk collection and related activities.
All the societies in the district will become a member share holder of the affiliated union which in turn assists the new DCS financially in kind, collects milk from the DCS both morning & evening shifts, through the organized milk route. The milk payment is according to quality of the milk
Technical Input activities
The primary Aim of the Union is to assist farmer in making him / herself sustaining in all spheres of dairying and animal husbandry, apart from regular marketing avenues for the produced milk.
First Aid Facility
The union replenishes first aid kit along with medicines to the selected societies. At present the Union has already covered 456 societies under first aid facilities. These societies will be provided with first aid drugs free of cost and the necessary training will be imparted to the first aid workers.
Emergency Services
In the milk shed area, veterinary sub centers are working. From these centers veterinary health care camps and emergency services are being provided to all functional societies. Emergency services will be provided round the clock and charges a nominal fee of Rs. 120/- irrespective of the distance traveled, cost of the medicines and service charges.
Artificial Insemination Activities
To improve the local breeds and to enhance milk production, artificial insemination programme has been continued. As on November-2025, 95 single AI centers and 28 cluster AI centers are in operation covering 456 societies. More thrust has been given to organize single AI centers by looking into the terrain and increased coverage of animals at door step.
Feeds and Fodder
To enhance the productivity of animals, balanced cattle feed and mineral mixtures are being supplied through the DCS against indent.
The farmers are also educated for enrichment of dry fodder with urea for better utilization. To reduce the production cost of milk, the farmers are being educated to establish silage demonstration.
The farmers are being educated to cultivate Azolla which is rich in protein. Fodder Chaff cutters will be provided to the interested farmers at subsidized rate.
Clean Milk Production
Hygiene takes front seat in dairy industry. Union place it in high priority by assisting the procured milk with lesser bacterial load by providing Bulk Milk Coolers(BMC) wherever necessary, chilling milk at the DCS level instantly to 4 deg centigrade. The bulk chilled milk would be transported to the main dairy once in 24 hours. Presently 39 BMC’s are in operation.
For transparent weighing practices, 456 DCS are provided with Electronic weighing scales with 75 % subsidy for each unit. Computer assisted, Electronic weighing scale & Milk testing Machine provided, Automatic milk collection units are distributed to the selected DCS to ensure quick, prompt, record generating automated procuring units.