In the remote, green valley of Tungal in Himachal Pradesh, where mountains kiss the clouds and life moves at a peaceful pace, a quiet revolution is taking place—led by a young woman named Sakina Thakur. What started as a simple dream to provide quality milk has grown into a thriving dairy business earning her ₹2 lakh per month, inspiring not just her village but rural communities across India.
A Scholar with an Unconventional Dream
Sakina was never afraid to dream differently. A master’s degree holder in History from Vallabh Government College, Mandi, she could have easily pursued a government job or a career in academia. But while many sought office jobs, Sakina saw an opportunity where few did: in dairy farming.
What triggered the change? Dissatisfaction with the low quality of milk available in Mandi city. She believed that healthy, high-quality milk should be accessible to everyone. While her interests included fitness, modeling, and even boxing, she chose to challenge the stereotype of what an “educated woman” should do.
The First Step: Starting with Passion and Purpose
Sakina’s family comes from a modest background in Kun village, in the Kotli subdivision of Mandi district. Choosing to work with cattle was met with skepticism and even ridicule—especially for a woman with a postgraduate degree.
But her determination only grew stronger. She found inspiration in local dairy farmer Chinta Devi, and began learning from YouTube videos and online platforms. Sakina combined traditional knowledge with modern techniques, and set out on a mission.
With ₹1.25 lakh in personal savings and a ₹2 lakh loan from a rural bank, she officially launched Sakina Dairy Farm in July 2024.
Building the Dairy Empire
Sakina began her venture with Holstein Friesian (HF) cows, a high-yield breed known for its protein-rich milk. She sourced them from a reputable dairy farm in Bathinda, Punjab.
Over the months, her dairy farm grew into a model of sustainable agriculture:
14 Holstein Friesian cows
Producing 112 liters of milk per day
Modern shed built with ₹4.5 lakh investment
Installed milking machines, fodder cutters, and other equipment
Utilizes cow dung as organic fertilizer
Provides employment to locals
This mix of modern technology, eco-friendly practices, and business sense turned her dairy into a success story.
Leading a Women’s Dairy Revolution
Sakina’s achievements didn’t stop at her own farm. In November 2024, she played a key role in establishing a women-led milk producers’ cooperative—the Koon Mahila Dugdh Utpadak Sahkari Samiti.
Supported by the Himachal Pradesh State Milk Producers Federation, the cooperative was equipped with:
A bulk milk cooler
SNF (Solids-Not-Fat) analyzer
Computerized data management systems
The cooperative now supports around 70 families from nearby villages like Kun, Kot, Lambidhar, Drubbal, Traihar, and Mahan, and together they generate nearly ₹2 lakh per month.
Sakina alone contributes significantly to that income, making around ₹1.25 lakh per month just from her farm.
Income Breakdown & Business Model
Details Amount
Daily Milk Production 112 liters
Selling Price Per Liter ₹41–₹44 (based on quality)
Monthly Income from Milk Sales ₹1.25 lakh approx.
Total Initial Investment ₹6.75 lakh (including shed, cows, machines)
Cooperative Total Monthly Earnings ₹2 lakh (from all members)
Sakina’s income was further boosted by the Himachal government’s decision to increase the minimum support price (MSP) for milk to ₹51/litre. She thanks Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, saying,
The improved rates have truly boosted our income and morale. We now get ₹41–₹44 per litre depending on the quality
Recognition & Impact
Local leaders and farmers have praised Sakina’s efforts. Vijay Kumar, the Gram Panchayat up-pradhan, said,
She has proven that no job is small or inferior. Through determination and vision, even traditional occupations can be transformed into modern success stories.
Beyond numbers, Sakina has become a role model for rural women, proving that even in the farthest corners of India, a woman with courage and purpose can change the world around her.
Final Thoughts
Sakina Thakur’s story isn’t just about cows and milk—it’s about vision, resilience, and revolution. She turned criticism into courage, a small loan into a thriving business, and a quiet village into a model of rural development.
She is not only milking cows—she’s milking opportunity, empowerment, and change.
✅ Key Takeaways for Aspiring Dairy Entrepreneurs
Start small but think big. Sakina began with just a few cows.
Learn constantly—use YouTube, books, and real-life mentors.
Combine technology with traditional farming.
Build cooperatives to empower more families.
Don’t be afraid to break social barriers.
Inspired by true events from Mandi, Himachal Pradesh. Sakina’s journey reminds us: farming isn’t just a livelihood—it’s a legacy.
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