PUM Netherlands Senior Experts has presented the PUM Impact Award to the leadership team of Govind Milk & Milk Products Pvt. Ltd. in Maharashtra in recognition of its successful dairy development initiative with women farmers.
The award was handed over by Marisa Gerards, who congratulated the Govind Dairy leadership for their efforts in improving livelihoods in the dairy sector.
PUM, a Dutch organisation that collaborates with Indian government agencies and small businesses, provides technical expertise across sectors such as agro-food, chemicals and energy. The organisation partnered with the CSR wing of the Govind Foundation to implement a project with the Dairy Farmers Group in Phaltan.
Under the initiative, around 100 women dairy farmers, each owning three to four cows, were trained in fodder and nutrition management, animal welfare, and disease prevention. The training aimed to improve dairy productivity and strengthen sustainable farming practices.
According to the Ambassador, the initiative has had a positive impact on farmers’ incomes. Citing insights from India’s Economic Survey, she noted that feed and fodder account for nearly 70% of milk production costs. Through timely technical guidance from PUM, farmers were able to manage these costs more efficiently.
As a result, household incomes increased, while improvements in animal health and reduced calf mortality enabled several farmers to expand their herd size, in some cases doubling the number of cattle.
The recognition highlights the role of collaborative initiatives in strengthening rural livelihoods and supporting women’s participation in India’s dairy sector.