By Jack Tayeng

From the lush green pastures of Deobeel village to the national spotlight, ‘Namsai Fresh’ has emerged as a shining example of how rural innovation, community empowerment, and visionary leadership can transform lives and landscapes.
An initiative of the Department of Veterinary and Dairy Development, Namsai;  Namsai Fresh was established in 2022 with a simple goal to provide fresh milk and dairy products to the people of Arunachal Pradesh. Today, it stands tall as a leading local dairy brand, known for its commitment to purity, sustainability, and indigenous excellence.
At the heart of this initiative is the Namsai Dairy Ltd., a Dairy Farmers Producer Organization (FPO). The FPO not only produces and distributes fresh milk, dahi, paneer, cream, sweets, and the much-loved Namsai Fresh Cow Ghee, but also embodies the spirit of community-led development.
The journey hasn’t been without challenges. Initially sanctioned under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs with a DPR of ₹2 crore, the project was first proposed at New Silatoo, Lekang, but devastating floods in 2016 forced its surrender, then  COVID-19  delayed the project,  informed  Dr. K. Sarmah District AH & Veterinary Officer.
Thanks to the unwavering support of local MLA Chau Zingnu Namchoom, the project found a new lease of life. He not only donated land but also facilitated ₹1 crore in additional funding under SIDF, helping establish the Mini Dairy Plant in Deobeel during 2022–23. Around the same time, the Chief Minister’s White Revolution Programme was launched, and the two initiatives were integrated to create a larger impact.
Today, with good breeds of cattle, the plant collects 400–500 liters of fresh milk (also from Milk Depot in Alubari) and provides affordable as well as adulteration-free milk daily. As all processes are done under modern machines, from milking  to making other milk products, it is significantly contributing to the local economy and rural livelihoods.
The efforts of the dairy farmers didn’t go unnoticed. In a proud moment for Arunachal Pradesh, NITI Aayog recognized the Namsai Fresh Cow Ghee, rebranding it under the national campaign as: Akanksha: Namsai Fresh – A Flavour Sourced from the Hills of Namsai, Arunachal Pradesh.
This recognition comes under the Aspirational Districts and Blocks Programme and Vocal for Local initiative, aimed at promoting traditional products from underserved regions across India, said the DVO.
The Namsai Fresh plant is not just a dairy facility—it is a model of eco-friendly innovation. Adopting a zero-waste policy, the unit uses cow dung to generate biogas, which powers much of the equipment used for producing sweets and other milk products. This approach helps the plant save at least ₹50,000 monthly in commercial LPG costs, Sarmah added. The plant also maintains its own green farmland, cultivating fresh grass, maize, and other nutritious fodder year round to ensure consistent and healthy feed for the cattle.
Beyond production, Namsai Fresh has sparked a wave of rural entrepreneurship.
Amat Namchoom, a local dairy entrepreneur shared “After the launch of Namsai Fresh, we finally found a dependable market for our milk. The department even provided us with high-quality breed cows.”
Another farmer from Alubari added, “With the new milk depot in our village, we no longer struggle under the sun to sell our milk. The department also supported us with equipment like freezers and even livestock.”
With its growing success, the Ministry of Dairy Development has initiated steps to form Milk Unions and Cooperatives across the state especially in Lohit, Namsai, & Lower Dibang Valley, aiming to scale the dairy revolution further. Plans are also underway for Namsai Fresh to supply milk to the Indian Defence Forces, opening up new avenues for rural dairy producers.
 “This plant not only produces high-quality milk, but it has become a hub for community development, youth employment, and sustainable living. From a flood-affected idea to a nationally recognized brand, Namsai Fresh is not just a dairy enterprise—it is a story of hope, resilience, and Arunachal's commitment to sustainable rural progress,” added DVO Sarmah.
Speaking about the achievement, Deputy Commissioner of Namsai, CR Khampa stated “Namsai Fresh is a glowing symbol of what determination, community collaboration, and visionary thinking can accomplish. I deeply appreciate the relentless efforts of our dairy farmers, officials, and supporting leaders like our MLA, who made this dream a reality. This initiative is not about producing milk—it's producing hope, livelihoods, and pride for the people of Namsai. Let this be a model for rural transformation across the nation.”

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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