Dairy Dream: Nandini's journey of rural revival

Nandini, under the Karnataka Co-operative Milk Producer’s Federation, is more than milk—it’s a movement that uplifts millions of farmers, fosters sustainability, and delivers quality to every home in Karnataka and beyond.

In the verdant heartland of Karnataka, where the morning mist clings to rolling hills and the lowing of cows punctuates the dawn, a quiet revolution has been brewing for decades. The Karnataka Co-operative Milk Producer’s Federation (KMF), under its beloved brand Nandini, has transformed from a modest cooperative experiment into a towering symbol of rural empowerment, nutritional security, and cooperative success. With its roots in the dairy-rich soils of Karnataka, KMF stands as South India’s largest cooperative dairy federation, a testament to the power of collective action and a beacon of hope for millions of farmers. This is the story of Nandini—how it grew from a World Bank-funded project into a household name, weaving together tradition, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to quality.

THE GENESIS OF KMF: A COOPERATIVE DREAM

The Karnataka Co-operative Milk Producer’s Federation (KMF), was established in 1974 as part of India’s broader White Revolution, which aimed to achieve self-sufficiency in milk production and improve rural livelihoods through a cooperative model. Spearheaded by Dr. Verghese Kurien and implemented through Operation Flood, the White Revolution inspired Karnataka to adopt a three-tier dairy cooperative structure comprising village-level societies, district unions, and KMF as the apex body. With strong support from the Government of Karnataka and NDDB, KMF was restructured in 1984 and began marketing under the “Nandini” brand. Rooted in the principles of the White Revolution, KMF has played a pivotal role in empowering lakhs of dairy farmers, especially women, by ensuring fair milk prices, veterinary services, and a stable market, making it one of the largest and most successful dairy federations in India.

KMF’s structure is a marvel of grassroots organization. With over 2.7 million farmer members spread across 15,981 Dairy Cooperative Societies (DCS) among which 4,734 are Woman Dairy Societies in Karnataka’s villages, it operates under 16 district milk unions, each a vital cog in the federation’s machinery. These unions, spanning nearly every district, collect milk from farmers, process it, and distribute it under the Nandini brand, a name synonymous with trust and quality across Karnataka and beyond. From its humble beginnings in Kudige, Kodagu District, in 1955, KMF has grown into a lifeline for rural Karnataka, ensuring that the fruits of dairy farming reach both the farmer’s pocket and the consumer’s table.

The federation’s model is built on inclusion. Farmers, regardless of the size of their herd, are members of village-level cooperatives, which feed into district unions, which in turn are governed by KMF. This democratic structure ensures that the smallest farmer has a voice, a stake, and a share in the profits. It’s a system that prioritizes people over profit, yet has managed to create a brand that competes with the best in India. For instance, in a small village in Hassan district, Lakshmamma, a widow with two cows, joined her local DCS in 2010. Initially skeptical, she soon found that the cooperative not only guaranteed a fair price for her milk but also provided veterinary care and training on fodder cultivation. Today, her monthly income from milk sales supports her children’s education, a testament to KMF’s transformative impact on rural lives.

KMF’s commitment to farmer support extends beyond milk collection. The Ksheera Bhagya Scheme, a flagship initiative launched by the Government of Karnataka in 2013 to improve nutrition among children and support dairy farmers in the state. Under this scheme, free milk is provided to school children and anganwadi beneficiaries across Karnataka for five days a week.

PORTFOLIO OF PRIDE: KMF’S ACHIEVEMENTS

KMF’s journey from a milk-deficient state to a dairy surplus is nothing short of remarkable. Collecting a staggering 1 crore liters of milk daily from 25,000 villages, KMF has not only met Karnataka’s demand but also expanded its footprint to neighboring states like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Goa and faraway places like Mumbai, Sollapur, Pune, and Delhi-NCR. Under its flagship ‘Nandini’ brand, has successfully ventured into the global market, exporting high-quality dairy products to several countries. Known for purity, taste, and adherence to international standards, Nandini products are exported to countries in the Middle East, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Georgia, Turkey, Singapore, Jordan, USA, Australia, Afghanistan etc.,. KMF continues to expand its export footprint, reinforcing its vision of delivering farm-fresh dairy to the world.

Nandini Café Moo is a flagship concept by KMF, which redefines the dairy experience for consumers. These cafes blend the purity and trust of Nandini dairy products with the ambiance of a contemporary café, offering a wide variety of milk-based beverages, snacks, desserts, and dairy delights. The cafés serve as a branding platform to showcase the versatility of Nandini products – from flavoured milk and coffee to dairy-rich desserts like Basundi, Paneer Tikka, ice creams, and traditional sweets. Café Moo not only caters to the urban consumer’s taste but also promotes healthier food choices rooted in local dairy goodness. With a modern design, youth-friendly menu, and strong brand association, Café Moo aims to create an engaging and immersive space that celebrates dairy culture, supports farmers, and strengthens the KMF value chain.

Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) was honoured with the ‘Highest Grossing Business Award’ for the year 2022–23 at the NCDFI-eMarket award function held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. The award was presented by Hon’ble Union Minister for Home Affairs Shr. Amit Shah, to KMF Chairman, Shri Bheema Naik on this occasion.

One of KMF’s crowning achievements is its role in transforming Karnataka’s rural economy. By providing a reliable income stream to over 9 lakh pourers with a 51% share of woman members, it has empowered communities, reduced rural-urban migration, and fostered economic stability. The federation’s cooperative model ensures that profits are ploughed back into the system, benefiting farmers through incentive scheme s like the KSHEERADHARE program, which offers a Rs.5/liter of goodmilk to milk producers. In Mandya, for example, a farmer named Raju credits the Ksheeradhare bonus for enabling him to purchase a new cow, doubling his daily milk output. “Before KMF, I sold milk to middlemen who cheated me,” he says. “Now, I know exactly what I’ll earn, and the cooperative helps me plan for my family’s future.”

KMF’s resilience was tested in 2023 when political controversies swirled around a potential merger with Amul, sparking protests and the #SaveNandini movement. The public outcry, amplified on social media and streets, underscored Nandini’s cultural and economic significance. The federation weathered the storm, emerging stronger, with its brand ambassadors—icons like Rajkumar, Puneeth Rajkumar, Shiva Rajkumar and Shriya Saran—lending star power to its legacy.

Beyond economics, KMF has embraced innovation. Its adoption of technology, from automated milk collection units to chilling plants, has set benchmarks for efficiency and quality. The federation’s ability to balance scale with sustainability has made it a model for cooperatives worldwide, proving that farmer-led enterprises can compete in modern markets without losing their soul. Recent initiatives, such as the introduction of biodegradable milk pouches made from corn-based materials, demonstrate KMF’s commitment to environmental sustainability, with Bangalore Milk Union (BAMUL) piloting sachets that decompose in six months.

KMF’s farmer support programs are particularly noteworthy. In 2025, the federation responded to rising production costs by increasing milk prices by D4 per liter, a move aimed at ensuring farmers receive fair compensation. Managing Director Sri B Shivaswamy emphasized that the hike would directly benefit farmers, with KMF now paying D35.30 per liter to producers. In Dakshina Kannada, farmers have long advocated for such hikes, recalling how a similar price increase in 2007 boosted local milk production.

In August 2013, Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF), in collaboration with the state’s Education, and Women & Child Departments launched very innovative “Ksheera Bhagya” Scheme. Under this scheme supplying Nandini Milk powder to over 1 crore children—those aged 6 months to 6 years in anganwadis, and students from Classes 1–10 in government/aided schools.

In September 2022, the International Dairy Federation (IDF) honored the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) with the “Innovation in School Milk Programmes” award. recognizing the effectiveness in addressing child malnutrition through school milk distribution (Ksheera Bhagya Scheme) at the World Dairy Summit held in Greater Noida, New Delhi. The event inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Additionally, in September 2023, celebrated the 10th anniversary (Dashamanotsava) of the Ksheera Bhagya (Ksheerabhagya) school-milk scheme.

NANDINI’S STRATEGIC BRAND SPONSORSHIPS

As part of global and national brand outreach strategy, Nandini the flagship brand of Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF), has expanded its visibility through high-impact sponsorships to the Scotland and Ireland national cricket teams, marking a significant step towards enhancing brand recognition in international markets.

Additionally, Nandini has made its presence felt in the Indian sports arena by associating with the Indian Super League (ISL) — India’s premier football competition and Pro Kabbadi. These sponsorships reflect Nandini’s commitment to promoting sports and strengthening its brand identity both in India and abroad.

THE BACKBONE: KMF’S MILK UNIONS

At the heart of KMF’s operations are its 16 district milk unions, each a powerhouse of local dairy production. These unions, covering regions from Bidar to Chamarajanagar, procure milk from thousands of village-level Dairy Cooperative Societies. As of recent data, Milk Union under the KMF oversees 15,981 DCS a number that reflects its expansive reach across Karnataka’s diverse geography.

Each union operates with a degree of autonomy, tailored to the needs of its region, yet remains tightly integrated into KMF’s overarching framework. The unions are more than logistical hubs; they are community anchors. They provide training, veterinary services, and financial support to farmers, fostering a sense of ownership and pride. This decentralized yet cohesive structure is KMF’s secret, enabling it to scale without losing touch with its grassroots ethos. In Tumkur, for instance, a young farmer named Kavita benefited from a KMF-sponsored training program on artificial insemination. “I learned how to improve my cows’ health and milk yield,” she says. “Now, my cooperative trusts me to help other farmers in my village.” Such stories highlight how KMF’s unions empower rural communities, particularly women, who form a significant portion of its membership.

FROM FARM TO FACTORY: KMF’S MANUFACTURING UNITS

KMF’s manufacturing process is spread across a network of state-of-the-art facilities that transform raw milk into an array of products. From chilling units at the village level to sprawling processing plants in urban centres, KMF’s infrastructure is designed to handle millions of liters daily while maintaining stringent quality standards.

Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) operates a network of specialized units that strengthen the dairy ecosystem across the state. The 9 cattle feed plants at Gubbi, Dharwad, Hassan, Shikaripura, Rajanukunte, K R Pete, Arakalagudu,Sadali and Hospete produce balanced, high-quality feed to support animal health and productivity. The Nandini Sperm Station at Hesaraghatta, Bengaluru is a leading centre for genetic improvement through frozen semen production. Powder plants at Ramanagara help manage seasonal milk surplus through conversion to skimmed milk powder. KMF also runs advanced milk processing and chilling plants in all 16 district milk unions, ensuring efficient collection, storage, and distribution. Additionally, KMF has training centers at Bengaluru ,Dharwad, Mysore and Kalburgi to equip farmers with modern dairy practices. In order to overcome the problems of inconsistency in terms of supplies and quality of Milk Packaging Film by suppliers, KMF established Nandini Packaging Film Plant in Munnekolala Marathahalli, Bengaluru. Together, these units ensure quality, sustainability, and strong farmer support across Karnataka’s dairy sector. KMF’s manufacturing units are not just about scale; they are about precision. The federation has pioneered initiatives like Community Milking Parlours, which use milking machines and computerized collection units to enhance productivity and hygiene. These parlours, a first in India, have reduced mastitis in milch animals and improved milk quality to international standards, making Nandini products competitive on a global stage. In a village near Mysuru, a farmer named Gopal recalls the impact of the local parlour: “Before, milking was hard work, and the milk sometimes spoiled. Now, the machines make it quick, and I get paid fairly for every drop.”

DAIRY DELIGHTS: KMF’S PRODUCTS

Nandini’s product portfolio is a celebration of dairy in all its forms. At its core is milk—cow’s milk, rich in calcium and protein, available in variants like full cream, toned, and double-toned to suit diverse consumer needs. But Nandini is more than just milk. Its range includes curd, a tangy staple in South Indian households; ghee, with its golden richness; butter, both salted and unsalted; and an indulgent line-up of ice creams, chocolates, and sweets that bring joy to festivals and everyday moments alike.

Nandini also offers milk powder for convenience and long shelf life. For those with a sweet tooth, there are Milk Pedas and Mysore paks, traditional confections crafted with care. The brand’s versatility extends to culinary applications, with its products featuring in everything from creamy kheers to savory curries, embodying the cultural and nutritional significance of dairy in Indian cuisine. In 2025, KMF expanded its offerings with 18 new bakery products, including cakes and muffins, launched on World Milk Day to promote milk consumption.

Nandini’s reach extends beyond Karnataka, with products like Good Life milk gaining popularity in neighbouring states. The brand’s ability to cater to diverse tastes while maintaining affordability has made it a favorite across demographics, from urban millennia’s to rural families. The recent launch of whey protein-enriched Nandini idli-dosa batter and Splash – refreshing drink has been a hit, with demand outstripping supply within days.

QUALITY FIRST: FOOD SAFETY STANDARDS

KMF’s commitment to quality is encapsulated in its motto: “Quality Excellence from Cow to Consumer.” Over the past decade, the federation has invested heavily in Clean Milk Production (CMP) initiatives, ensuring that every drop of Nandini milk meets the highest standards of hygiene and safety. KMF owns NABL accredited lab assisted under NPDD scheme by GOI.

One of KMF’s most innovative moves is the introduction of Community Milking Parlours, which use automated systems to collect and chill milk without human contact, minimizing contamination risks. These parlours, coupled with stainless steel utensils and antiseptic udder-cleaning solutions, have revolutionized milk collection at the village level.

KMF also emphasizes training, equipping farmers and cooperative staff with knowledge of modern dairy husbandry and CMP practices. From replacing aluminium cans with stainless steel to producing educational materials like posters and documentaries, the federation leaves no stone unturned in its quest for quality. These efforts ensure that Nandini products are not just nutritious but also safe, earning the trust of millions of consumers.

BEYOND MILK: ANIMAL HUSBANDRY SERVICES

Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) provides a range of technical inputs to dairy farmers to enhance milk production, animal health, and overall farm efficiency. These include supply of high-quality cattle feed and mineral mixtures produced at its own 10 plants with a monthly average production of 75,000MTs and fodder seeds at subsidized rates, along with timely artificial insemination and veterinary healthcare services. KMF also supports farmers with training programs through its own training centres located at four regions of Karnataka on scientific dairy practices, clean milk production, and animal nutrition. Mobile veterinary clinics, infertility camps, and disease control programs are regularly conducted to ensure herd health. These initiatives not only boost productivity but also ensure sustainable and profitable dairy farming across Karnataka.

NANDINI SPERM STATION: ADVANCING DAIRY GENETICS IN KARNATAKA

The Nandini Sperm Station, established by the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) at Hesaraghatta, Bengaluru, stands as a vital pillar in Karnataka’s dairy development. Recognized as one of India’s top semen production facilities, the station plays a key role in improving the genetic potential of dairy animals. It produces and supplies high-quality frozen semen doses from proven, high-yielding bulls to thousands of dairy farmers across the state. Equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure and adhering to national quality standards, the station operates under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission, a Government of India initiative to promote indigenous breeds and boost milk productivity. In 2005–06, the Ministry of Agriculture conferred it the “2nd Best AGrade Semen Station” distinction, and it also earned ISO certification for maintaining high standards in genetic material quality. Through its efforts, the Nandini Sperm Station significantly contributes to breed improvement, enhanced milk production, and the long-term sustainability of Karnataka’s dairy sector.

EMPOWERING RURAL WOMEN THROUGH DAIRY: KMF’S STEP TOWARDS CHANGE

The Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) has been a strong catalyst for women empowerment in the state’s dairy sector, particularly through the implementation of the Support to Training and Employment Programme for Women (STEP) scheme. This centrally sponsored scheme, supported by the GoI through NRLM and GoK through KSRLPS aims to train and economically empower rural women by involving them in sustainable livelihood activities like dairy farming.

Through STEP, KMF has organized exclusive women dairy cooperative societies, provided hands-on training in scientific animal husbandry, clean milk production, and fodder cultivation, and supported access to veterinary care and artificial insemination. Financial assistance for purchasing milch animals, equipment, and working capital has further helped women gain ownership and control over dairy enterprises. These efforts have significantly improved their income, decision-making power, and social status.

By integrating women into the mainstream dairy economy, KMF—through STEP—has not only enhanced rural livelihoods but also promoted gender equity and inclusive development in Karnataka’s dairy sector.

A SOCIAL CONSCIENCE: KMF’S SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

KMF’s mission is not just about milk; it’s about uplifting lives. The federation’s cooperative model has empowered women, marginalized communities, and small-scale farmers by providing them with a stable income and a platform to participate in the economy. By channeling profits back to its members, KMF fosters financial inclusion and rural development.

The federation also engages in community outreach, from sponsoring cultural events to supporting educational initiatives. Its brand ambassadors have worked pro bono to promote Nandini, reinforcing its role as a cultural institution. KMF’s partnership with Chai Point to serve 1 crore cups of tea at the Maha Kumbh Mela in 2025 showcases its cultural outreach, using Nandini milk to connect with millions.

LOOKING AHEAD: KMF’S GOALS

KMF’s vision is clear: to usher in rural prosperity through dairy development. The federation aims to expand its reach, both geographically and in terms of product innovation, while maintaining its commitment to quality and farmer welfare. On-going projects include modernizing infrastructure, increasing export capabilities, and exploring sustainable practices to reduce its environmental footprint.

KMF also seeks to strengthen its cooperative network, ensuring that more marginal farmers are brought into the fold. By leveraging technology and scaling its animal husbandry services, the federation hopes to boost milk production while preserving the ecological balance of Karnataka’s rural landscapes. Plans to launch Nandini cow milk in Haryana also reflect its ambition to grow nationally.

Nandini is more than a brand; it’s a movement. From the misty hills of Kodagu to the bustling streets of Bengaluru, KMF has woven itself into the fabric of Karnataka’s identity.