Nagarjuna Dairy Expanding Footprint

Society-operated milk companies enjoy incentives and lower milk procurement costs. Whereas, private dairy enterprises suffering from lack of government subsidies - Pulluri Prabhakar Rao, Founder, Nagarjuna Milk Dairy, tells Bizz Buzz

Hyderabad: From a humble beginning in 2006, Huzurabad-based Nagarjuna Milk Dairy, with 30 employees, has risen from a modest Rs3 crore business to an impressive Rs80-crore enterprise now, with a current workforce of 200 people.

Nestled in the heart of Huzurabad town in Karimnagar district, this dairy is the brainchild of Pulluri Prabhakar Rao, who embarked on his journey with four partners. Over the years, his re-lentless efforts have made Nagarjuna Dairy a household name, even rivalling the industry leader Mulkanur Dairy, in Karimnagar and Warangal markets.

Speaking to Bizz Buzz, Prabhakar Rao shared insights into his success. “Our milk products reach even the farthest places, like Bhongir,” he stated. His unique selling point (USP) lies in the un-compromising quality of milk, sourced directly from over 60 villages through six strategically placed chilling stations.

To ensure premium quality, the milk undergoes rigorous testing in state-of-the-art labs, and only the best is transformed into products like sachets of blended milk, ghee, doodhpeda, and other milk-based snacks.

Beyond business, Prabhakar Rao has fostered a close bond with the farmer community. He cel-ebrates their family celebrations such as birthdays, weddings, and anniversaries - with thought-ful gifts and even extends loans to help them purchase healthy buffaloes and cows. “Our farmers are the backbone of this operation,” he said, emphasizing his commitment to their welfare.

However, challenges persist. Prabhakar Rao voiced concerns about the lack of government sub-sidies for private dairy enterprises, unlike society-operated milk companies that enjoy incentives and lower milk procurement costs. He also faces workforce hurdles, relying on around 100 workers from Bihar due to the inconsistency and higher salary demands of local labour.

Despite these obstacles, Prabhakar Rao envisions expanding Nagarjuna Dairy to the region’s un-covered urban areas, aspiring to establish himself as a leader in the dairy industry.