The local Dolakha Dairy Industry (DDI), established six years ago under the private and partnership programme has started making profit, thanks to the growing attraction among local dairy farmers towards the industry.

The DDI was established with the objective of developing the local economy by mobilising local means and resources. The industry, which in the beginning used to collect only 35 litres of milk per day, is at present collecting some 350 litres per day.

The dairy currently produces processed milk, yoghurt, ghee and butter. Although the dairy plant has a capacity to process and produce 1,000 litres of milk per hour, only 350 litres of milk is presently processed at the plant. The plant will start producing ice-cream and cheese once the milk collection is increased.

At present, the dairy supplies milk to Charikot, Dolakha, Jiri and Mudhe bazaar of Sindhupalchok district. There are plans to supply milk and other dairy products to Ramechhap, Barhabise of Sindhupalchok and up to Khasa in Tibet once the dairy expands its production capacity, according to managing director of the dairy Shiva Prasad Bhandari.

The district development committee (DDC), the local municipality and adjoining VDCs will have 50 per cent share, the cooperatives institutions 10 per cent share, community organisations five per cent share and the private sector 15 per cent share in the scheme, it is learnt.