Empowering Farmers, Enriching Lives, Elevating Punjab’s Dairy Pride

One thinks of purity in dairy and unmatched cooperative excellence, the name stands out across India and beyond — Verka. As the flagship brand of the Punjab State Cooperative Milk Producers’ Federation Ltd. (MILKFED Punjab), Verka is not merely a name on a dairy product; it is a symbol of trust, nutrition, sustainability, and farmer-centric development.

Established over six decades ago, Verka has grown into one of India’s most beloved dairy brands, rooted deeply in Punjab’s rich agrarian traditions while embracing modernity, innovation, and global standards. It is not just a brand; it is a movement — a harmonious blend of grassroots rural development, scientific milk processing, and consumer trust.

A Legacy That Began with a Vision

Verka’s journey began in 1963 with the establishment of its first milk plant at Verka, a small town near Amritsar. What started as a modest venture has today evolved into a dairy powerhouse — impacting lakhs of lives across Punjab and reaching millions of consumers across the globe.

The foundational vision was clear — to create a cooperative dairy system that would empower Punjab’s dairy farmers, provide them with fair prices, and create a reliable and safe dairy product ecosystem for consumers. This dual focus — uplifting producers and enriching consumers — continues to define Verka’s mission today.

A Model Cooperative Structure: Farmers at the Core

Verka’s strength lies in its cooperative structure, where dairy farmers are not just suppliers but stakeholders in the system. MILKFED Punjab operates through a network of over 6,000 milk producer cooperative societies across the state, comprising and directly supporting more than 3 lakh dairy farmers — a testament to the cooperative’s scale and social footprint.

Each society is a mini-ecosystem — where farmers bring fresh milk, undergo quality testing, and receive fair payment. Profits are reinvested into improving infrastructure, providing training, and enhancing productivity. This model ensures economic empowerment, democratic participation, and a sustainable livelihood for small and marginal farmers, especially women, who form a significant part of the dairy workforce.

Infrastructure and Technological Backbone

Verka’s operational excellence is underpinned by a vast and strategically located processing infrastructure. The Federation operates 10 state-of-the-art milk plants under 11 Milk Unions, spread across major districts including:

• Amritsar
• Ludhiana
• Mohali
• Jalandhar
• Patiala
• Gurdaspur
• Sangrur
• Bathinda
• Hoshiarpur

Collectively, these plants have a milk handling capacity exceeding 30 lakh litres per day — placing Verka among the largest dairy processors in northern India.

In addition to milk plants, Verka operates:

• 2 Cattle Feed Plants, providing scientifically formulated feed to boost animal health and milk productivity.
• 1 Artificial Insemination Station, focused on breed improvement and genetic enhancement of dairy cattle.
• 2 Specialized Units at Chandigarh and Bassi Pathana, dedicated to manufacturing value-added products like ice cream, UHT milk, sweets (mithai) and flavored dairy beverages.

This vertically integrated supply chain — from milk procurement to processing, packaging, and distribution — ensures freshness, hygiene, and quality control at every stage.

A Rich and Evolving Product Portfolio

Verka is synonymous with variety. It has continually evolved its product offerings in line with changing consumer preferences, health trends, and dietary needs. Its product portfolio is both diverse and deep, spanning staples, indulgence, and nutrition.

Core Dairy Products:

• Toned, Full Cream, and Standardized Milk
• Dahi (Curd)
• Paneer
• Butter
• Ghee
• Cheese
• Khoa
• Lassi, Kheer, and Flavored Milk

Value-Added Products:

• Ice Cream
• Dairy Whitener
• UHT (Ultra-High Temperature) Milk
• Traditional Sweets like Rasgulla, Gulab Jamun, and Kaju Katli

Verka’s distribution spans across Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi NCR, Jammu & Kashmir, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh through an expansive and cold chain-enabled distribution network. This infrastructure ensures that the freshness and safety of products are maintained right from the plant to the consumer’s doorstep.

In urban markets, Verka products are available in retail outlets, modern trade stores, Verka booths, and through online grocery platforms, ensuring omnipresence and accessibility.

Global Footprint: Exporting the Taste of Punjab

Beyond India, Verka is proudly representing Punjab’s dairy excellence on the international stage. With a rapidly growing export business, Verka products are now available in several countries, including:

• United Arab Emirates (UAE)
• Qatar
• Bahrain
• Oman
• Saudi Arabia
• Australia
• Philippines
• New Zealand

Verka has achieved an export turnover exceeding ₹25 crore and has been granted the prestigious ‘Star Export House’ recognition by the Government of India. This status reflects Verka’s adherence to global norms of quality, compliance, and food safety — making it a trusted choice among international consumers, especially the Indian diaspora.

Quality, Safety, and Certifications: A Benchmark in Dairy Excellence

The backbone of Verka’s success lies in its uncompromising approach to quality. Every drop of milk that enters a Verka plant undergoes stringent testing for adulterants, bacteria, and toxins. Advanced labs, automated systems, and robust traceability protocols are in place.

All Verka plants are certified with:

• ISO 22000:2018 — a globally recognized Food Safety Management System (FSMS)
• Quality Mark Certification from the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB)

These certifications are not merely badges — they reflect Verka’s commitment to global food safety protocols, consumer well-being, and regulatory compliance. Cold chain logistics ensure that products retain their freshness and nutritional integrity throughout the distribution process.

Financial Performance and Growth Trajectory

Verka is not only a model of social and agricultural development but also a financially sound and growing enterprise. In the financial year 2024–25, Verka registered a turnover exceeding ₹6,000 crore, reflecting its:

• Widening consumer base
• Operational efficiency
• Product innovation
• Strategic diversification into value-added dairy products

This growth is a result of continued investment in technology, farmer welfare, and brand-building, backed by a loyal customer base that spans generations.

Driving Social Impact: Beyond Dairy

While Verka’s core operations revolve around dairy, its impact is much broader. As a cooperative institution, it plays a central role in:

• Women Empowerment: Women constitute a large percentage of Verka’s supply chain — as milk producers, cooperative leaders, and quality control operators.
• Sustainable Agriculture: Through veterinary support, AI services, and feed supply, Verka helps farmers improve yields while maintaining animal welfare.
• Rural Development: Verka’s profits are ploughed back into rural Punjab, supporting infrastructure, education, and employment.

Moreover, Verka conducts regular farmer training programs, animal health camps, and awareness drives to improve productivity and foster community development.

Verka at World Food India: Showcasing India’s Dairy Prowess

Verka has been a proud participant at World Food India (WFI) — India’s flagship global food exhibition organized by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI). At WFI, Verka presents the power of cooperative dairy systems, showcases its premium product portfolio, and engages with global buyers, distributors, and policy makers.

This platform allows Verka to:

• Forge international trade partnerships
• Introduce value-added products to new markets
• Reinforce India’s image as a dairy innovation hub

Verka’s presence at WFI also highlights the spirit of ‘Make in India’, cooperative leadership, and the vital role of farmer-led institutions in shaping a sustainable and inclusive food economy.

Verka’s Vision: The Future is Dairy-Rich and Digitally Driven

As Verka looks toward the future, it remains committed to digital transformation, sustainability, and consumer innovation. Its roadmap includes:

• Digital Milk Procurement Systems for real-time transparency and farmer payment
• Eco-friendly packaging solutions
• Expansion of online and retail footprints
• New-age dairy products like protein-rich beverages, probiotic yogurts, and lactose-free milk

Verka also aims to achieve carbon neutrality, reduce water usage in processing, and enhance energy efficiency in its plants — aligning with global climate goals and consumer preferences.