Historic Gandhian Dairy in Wardha Celebrates 87 Years with Rs30 Crore Turnover and Digital Leap
In the heart of Wardha, a remarkable institution that has steadfastly upheld the Gandhian ethos for nearly nine decades continues to thrive, blending timeless values with modern ambitions. Go-Sanvardhan Goras Bhandar, a dairy cooperative founded in 1939, now boasts an impressive annual turnover of approximately Rs30 crore, marking a significant milestone in its storied journey.
From Humble Beginnings to a Rs30 Crore Enterprise
Established with the noble objectives of promoting rural self-reliance, cow conservation, and economic uplift for farmers, Go-Sanvardhan Goras Bhandar was inspired by the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi, Vinoba Bhave, and Jamnalal Bajaj. At its inception in 1939, when farmers and milk producers struggled with unreliable markets and unstable incomes, the institution recorded a turnover of Rs2 lakh, a considerable sum for the era.
Over the decades, through unwavering trust from both farmers and consumers, the dairy has expanded its operations dramatically. Today, it generates around Rs30 crore annually by selling a range of pure dairy products, including cow ghee, basundi, shrikhand, pedha, curd, buttermilk, and paneer.
Embracing E-Commerce for Iconic Goras Pak
In a strategic move to reach a wider audience, Go-Sanvardhan Goras Bhandar is now set to make its beloved Goras Pak available on an e-commerce portal, with the agreement process currently underway. This sweet delicacy, first produced in 1956 using pure cow ghee, wheat, and sugar, has become synonymous with Wardha and is highly sought after during festivals, weddings, and as a gift item.
Chairman Nilesh Patil and manager Madhav Kadu emphasized that the institution operates entirely on self-reliance, without any financial assistance from the government. They highlighted that social welfare, farmer well-being, and supplying pure food products have always taken precedence over profit-making.
Sustaining Growth Through Traditional Methods and Farmer Support
The dairy's success is rooted in its commitment to traditional practices and robust support for local farmers. Milk collection has surged from a modest 200 to 300 litres daily in the early days to an impressive 12,000 to 13,000 litres per day currently. About half of this milk is supplied directly to consumers, while the remainder is used to produce various dairy products, all processed through traditional methods without chemical additives.
Go-Sanvardhan Goras Bhandar plays a pivotal role in supporting farmers and milk producers in Wardha district by ensuring timely payments at fair rates. This ethical approach has fostered greater trust among farmers compared to private companies. Additionally, the institution provides employment to 170 people, predominantly from the families of producers and farmers.
A Legacy of Service and Independence
Since 1961, the dairy has been supplying tested, fresh cow milk to households in Wardha city through a unique coupon-based home delivery system. Currently, around 5,000 consumers benefit from this long-running service, which is considered a distinctive feature of the city's daily life.
Initially functioning under the Akhil Bharatiya Go-Seva Sangh until 1960, the institution was registered as a cooperative in 1961 under the name Wardha Tahsil Go-Dugdha Utpadak Sahakari Sangh Maryadit – Go-Sanvardhan Goras Bhandar. It continues to operate independently, upholding principles of transparency and discipline.
Future Plans: Expansion and Youth Engagement
Looking ahead, the management has outlined ambitious plans to expand the product range, strengthen online sales, enter markets outside the state, and engage the younger generation with Gandhian values. They have reiterated that purity, trust, and social responsibility will remain non-negotiable principles guiding all future endeavors.
As Go-Sanvardhan Goras Bhandar steps into the digital age, it stands as a testament to how age-old values can drive sustainable growth and community impact in the modern world.
