Akshayakalpa, India’s certified organic dairy enterprise, is revolutionizing the dairy industry with its unique blend of traditional practices and modern technology.
Founded in 2010 by Dr. GNS Reddy and Shashi Kumar, Akshayakalpa is headquartered in Tiptur, Karnataka, and has swiftly become a beacon of sustainable and humane dairy farming in the country.
The genesis of Akshayakalpa can be traced back to the Yuva Chetna Program (2001-2009), an initiative aimed at educating rural youth and women about agriculture and farming.
Emerging from this program, Shashi Kumar, along with his colleagues from Wipro Technologies, laid the foundations of a community-focused enterprise that empowers farmers while ensuring the production of high-quality, chemical-free milk.
Akshayakalpa’s innovative model does not involve owning dairy farms. Instead, it collaborates with local farmers, providing them with the necessary training and resources to establish and manage small organic dairy farms.
These farms are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including automatic milking systems, biogas plants, bio-digesters, fodder choppers, and chilling units, with financial backing from Akshayakalpa partner banks.
This model ensures that farmers receive fair compensation for their milk, which is evaluated based on its fat content.
A critical component of Akshayakalpa’s success is its comprehensive training program, which spans 12 to 18 months.
During this period, farmers are educated on organic farming techniques, focusing on soil health, chemical-free crop production, and raising cows without antibiotics or growth hormones.
The emphasis on animal health and welfare, coupled with the use of green fodder grown without chemical inputs, ensures that the milk produced is free from harmful substances, benefiting both consumers and the environment.
By integrating traditional knowledge with scientific advancements and sustainable practices, Akshayakalpa has created a model that addresses the pressing issues of the dairy industry, such as the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, economic non-viability, and concerns over quality and taste.
This holistic approach not only produces healthier milk but also revitalizes rural economies, making farming a viable and rewarding occupation once again.
Akshayakalpa’s success story sets a precedent for other companies in the dairy sector, demonstrating that it is possible to achieve economic viability while maintaining environmental sustainability.
The enterprise’s commitment to empowering farmers, ensuring animal welfare, and providing high-quality organic products is transforming the dairy industry, offering a promising future for producers and consumers alike.
