Govind Dairy – The Organic Milk Farm
Going organic soon will no longer be an option, but a way of life. If vegetables, fruits and pulses can go organic, then why not milk! This is one such dairy where the directors, staff, veterinary doctors and the care takers all practice Vipassana. It not only ensures a healthy mind and body for the staff, but compassion towards the animals as well. With the concept of ‘Free Housing Farms’, Govind Dairy has taken the right step towards healthier animals which in turn help produce healthier milk.
Meet 46-year-old Dhumal Ganpatrao Marutrao an M.Sc. (Agri) from Mahatma Phule Agriculture Institute, Rahuri, District in Ahamadnagar, the Managing Director of Govind Dairy, who shares valuable inputs about going organic.
How did it all begin?
After completing his post-graduation, Mr. Dhumal worked as a farmer for five years and ever since he was inspired by reading “One Straw Revolution” by the late Masanobu Fukuoka, he decided to start his own organic farm.
With little support from family, he decided to relocate to Phaltan, in Satara district of Maharashtra in 1995 and joined the farm at Dr.Sukhatme Institute of Agriculture. He opted for this place as several of his college friends were settled in Phaltan.
Mr. Dhumal recalls, “We started Govind Milk with a college friend and Chairman S.V. Naik –Nimbalkar in 1996. As the Managing Director of Govind Milk, Mr. Dhumal started with a meager 240 liters on its first day and with continuous efforts of 15 years, Govind Dairy now collects 3 Lakhs lit milk per day.
With keen interest in rural development and working with veterinary doctors like Dr. Gaikwad, his associates and the staff, Govind Dairy has indeed come a long way.
Mr. Dhumal initiated Vipassana at Govind Dairy as he was encouraged by the Chairman Mr. S.V. Naik- Nimbalkar . Since it was followed regularly by his staff, helpers and farmers, it changed the environment at the work place.
“Our dairy is unique as most of our people, directors, staff and helpers have been practicing Vipassana for the past 11 years. We have seen a change in them where they are less stressful and happier. People become more compassionate and develop gratitude towards self, others and towards the animals as well,” mentions Mr. Dhumal.
Free Housing Farms for the Cows
Mr. Dhumal says, “Since our whole industry starts from the cow, we thought the cows should be free from bondage with the Free Housing Systems.”
One of the major works undertaken at Govind Dairy is ‘Free Housing Farms,’ where farmers are encouraged to develop free housing farms for the animals. These farms help the animals to stay happy as they are free to roam about in these farms and have plenty of water to drink whenever they need. This ensures fewer diseases in the animals, which in turn result in healthier cows and healthier milk. In fact, these farms are certified by ‘ECOCERT’ and “IN-Conversion Organic Farms” as well.
The practice began with some farmers who were encouraged to have small courtyards beside the existing cow sheds approx 250-300 sq. ft. per animal.
Mr. Dhumal further adds, “Once these animals were set free, we saw that animals became healthier, happier and less stressed. Animals enjoyed both the shade and the sunlight as they wanted, so treatment on animals became less and the farmer work became easy.”
Due to its low cost and freedom of work, these farms multiplied in hundreds and eventually the quantity and quality of milk improved. The work involved in these Free Housing Farms are less as the animals usually remain clean, water is available to them 24 hours, no use of pesticides as they are biologically controlled with the help of hens who feed on ticks, and fewer illnesses among the animals.
Mr. Dhumal mentions, “After three years of this practice we met Ms. Kavita Mukhi, the eco-nutritionist who saw our presentation on free housing of animals. She was of the opinion that we should go organic and work on producing Organic Milk, because as it is, almost 50-60 % of work is already being done at our end. This encouraged us to stop chemical fertilizers and replace them with organic fodder, which made the cows and the milk healthier for consumers.”
Such kind of Free Housing Farms is found in European Countries and their advantages are not seen in the commonly practiced ‘tied cow sheds’.
Armed with a team of 40 Para Vets, along with the team at Govind Dairy, it helps Mr Dhumal to maintain a healthy atmosphere in the farm by regular vaccination and de-worming.
Challenges Faced
Mr. Dhumal feels that, “The mindset of the farmers is the main challenge for us and we are trying to take the farmers into confidence by showing
them video clips and interviews of the farmers who adopted the free housing farms and have benefited in terms of money and saving time. We also show them the difference in quantity and quality of milk to reinforce our method. Another challenge was logistics to gather this milk from scattered farms, and supplying the milk to customers spread across the towns and cities. This would not have been possible without the great efforts of Dr. Gaikwad and his veterinary team.”
What makes Govind Dairy so unique?
Govind Dairy has been recently certified with ISO 9001:2008 & ISO 22000: 2005 certificates for quality and Food Safety Management Systems. Their organic farms are certified with In Conversion Organic milk by ECOCERT INDIA. They have 11 certified farms and 50 farms are in progress.
These Free Housing Farms are developed in such a way that 15-20 animals can be accommodated in one farm instead of mega farms. This involves less work, better income, income through poultry as indigenous hens are introduced in these farms and good quality organic manure.
This concept is beneficial to small farmers and to the animals in several ways. It not only helps the farmers economically, but also spreads the awareness of organic milk and care for the ecosystem in rural areas.
Since no harmful antibiotics are used on the cows as they usually remain healthy, they use organic manure instead of chemical fertilizers and use indigenous hens to take care of the ticks instead of insecticides and these practices help preserve the fragile eco-system in the area. Also, the time and effort that goes in keeping a track on each animal in mega farms is ruled out in these Free Housing Farms at Govind Dairy.
Clean Milk Production
Govind Dairy has already implemented the concept of ‘Clean Milk Production’ by supplying stainless steel cans, kettles and other utensils to milk producers, creating awareness programs for farmers for housekeeping of farms and preventive health maintenance as vaccination de-worming, providing milking machines and promoting Free Housing.
To benefit the farmers and increase the productivity in the raw milk sector, Govind Milk has excessively worked on green fodder to ensure organic feed for the animals. They have a team of 40 Para-Veterinary doctors working on extension services for preventive health maintenance of the animals.
Mr. Dhumal further adds, “Govind dairy has day to day communication with all the farmers which is not there in other dairies as they are limited to the agents supplying milk only.”
Care of the animals
Since the cows are not tied in their cowsheds, but left in the open, they have the liberty to decide whether they want to be outdoors to enjoy the sunshine or want to be in the shade. It is the animals who decide when they want to have their feeds and when they want to drink water. The choice is entirely theirs. As they have the freedom of movement, their physical activity increases which results in healthier cows. This reduces the usage of antibiotics and medicines as well. The cows are more comfortable and stress free resulting in better quality and quantity of milk.
Indigenous hens are kept which keeps the farm manure dry and they eat the insects and ticks on the animals which is a biological control instead of spraying insecticide on animals. Govind Dairy has opted for a veterinary service contract, Housing Management, Fodder Management, Good Manufacturing Practices training, and Preventive Health Care and monthly monitoring.
He further adds, “We guide our farmers in preparing and preserving green fodder (Silage) in a natural way, to avoid the intake of factory made
feed. The organic manure produced in Free Housing Farms is utilized for the organic fodder production. We supply organic seeds for fodder to the farmers with the aim to promote organic, green and dry fodder production such as greens, Lucern, Maize, Sorghum, Napier grass and legumes. We also promote the utilization of organic grains and oil seeds and homemade feed concentrate for the animals”.
Milk supply in Mumbai
Govind Dairy is mostly related to animal husbandry and welfare. They have opted for a veterinary service contract, Housing management, Fodder management, Good Manufacturing Practices training, and Preventive health care and monthly monitoring. “ Initially we are started with In conversion Organic Milk, In conversion Organic Ghee, In conversion Organic butter in salted and unsalted form. In future we will try to launch Organic Cheese, Mrs. Naik- Nimbalkar has taking keen interest in developing these products,” adds Mr. Dhumal.
Mr. Dhumal feels that, “Mumbai being a metro, is getting heavily polluted and the health of the people is of prime importance. They are now getting aware about the organic food available. We plan to launch our organic milk from Mumbai. We plan to price the milk to Rs. 50 / litre, but for the initial few days the scheme will be Rs. 40/ lit. These prices are slightly high as farmers are paid more for collecting milk from scattered farms and the distribution is also scattered as well.”
Future plans
Govind Dairy plans to promote their products through organic farm markets, internet, brochures and pamphlets to spread the concept of Organic Milk.
“Since our farms are becoming Organic, we may encourage our farmers` to grow fruits and vegetables as well. If the scale grows we wish the prices should also be more reasonable for both farmers and consumers,” concludes Mr. Dhumal.
What’s your story?
If you have a similar organic dairy, farm or kitchen garden do write in to us at tanya@tanyamunshi.com and we’ll be happy to publish a feature on you in The Lifestyle Portal.
Have a organic product nice concept Be organic. which is essential for future
Is it possible to deliver to santacruz(east)? If so, when can u begin?
Hi Prachi,
you can contact the Mumbai branch of Govind Dairy. Here are their contact details.
Mr. Ghongade Amit – Branch Manager -Mobile no.9822655050
Plot no. 45/46, A.P.M. Yard, sector – 18, Vashi, Navi Mumbai-400705. Tel. 022-27889612, Email- govindmilkvashi@gmail.com
Hope this helps.
Regards,
Tanya
Can you let me know whether this milk is A1 Or A2 Type
Hi Sachin,
I dont think they are A2 Milk Producers. Nowhere in the above write up they have mentioned anything like that. Also the pictures they have posted of the Cows indicate that they are NOT Indian Native Breed Cows which have humps which are missing in the photographs……
Anyway it is for the Munshi’s to clarify this aspect
Dear Mr. Nayayanan,
The article has been written based on the inputs provided directly by the authorities at the Govind Dairy Farm. I will most certainly ask them to get in touch with you and clarify the same.
Regards,
Tanya
The cows in picture resemble Holstein cows used for manufacture of A1 milk.
What about the bovine growth hormones that all cows are given. Why is that not been talked about. Eliimination of hormones is critical to organic milk . Pls comment .
Dear Mr. Vivek,
Normally bovine growth harmones are not used in our area. So there is no need to take effrots on elimination of the same. Normally in organic milk production farmers are very serious regarding feeding and other managment. They giving naturaly grown organic fodder to the animals. Our veterinarians are taking care of cows every day for prevention. I hope you got the answer; please feel free to give your email ID so that we can send you some more details.
Kind Regards
Dr Gaikwad
Animal welfare team
Hi, i would be interested in buying organic milk. From when would this milk be available in the market? Would it be fresh pasteurised milk or UHT? Can you email me the details pls? Thanks
This milk is fresh & Pasturised but not homoginised. It is not UHT milk & Pls give email ID as we can sent the details of it.
Regards
Animal Welfare Team
We are selling Govind Organic Milk at our store in Govandi – Mumbai. You also find a wide range of organic products at our store.
Natraj – The Eats & Needs Store, 6, Neelkanth Gardens, Govandi east, Mumbai. # 9820342167.
Can i get pure cow milk in thane west. if yes please email me the details.
Hi! I would like to buy organic milk, could u pls send me details of ur store or if u have a delivery system in sewri?
Nehagaur.malviya@yahoo.co.in
Please check the above details on how we produce organic milk and from where you can get it.
We would be happy if need more help.
Regards
Animal Welfare Team
Hi,
For me, cruelty to animals is a serious concern. Therefore I wish to know the following :
1. After a cow gives birth to a calf and the calf becomes too grown up to suckle, what does Govind dairy do to it – do they sell it to someone who might possibly send it out for slaughter?
2. The “organic” feed given to the cows – is that vegetarian?
We promote calf rearing in some farms but as you rightly say the farmers are not willing to look after male calf as it is quite unaffordable to them. Female calves are looked after by farmers. The feed is vegetarian and the fodder is grown on organic farm with organic manure without chemical fertilizer and pesticides.
Have you started delivering organic milk in Juhu?
You must be knowing me from the Farmers Market. I had been there today, i.e. 7.10.2012, and you were missing from the place. I wanted to buy butter and cheese (organic, of course). Last year you had mentioned one of your branches in Charcop, Kandivlee (West). Would you be kind enough to give me their contact No. and address. Thanks.
I stay in Kandivlee(West) and would like to buy organic cow milk and other organic milk products. Please tell me if it is available anywhere near my address. My phone No. is 7208149809. Also the new farmer’s market venue is too much out of the way for me. The old place at Hill Road Bandra was very much convenient. Hope they shift to a better venue on the western suburbs.
I am interested in A2 gir cow milk
kindly give me details of product
Is this milk available in Pune?
I want organic milk at Ahmedabad for Organic Customers at my city. Can you work out how this can be possible. My contact detail is 09627967999 mruduleshdamin@rediffmail.com
Organic milk has been found to be rich in omega 3, vitamins, CLA (conjugated linoleic acid – a type of fat that may prove to be one of our most potent cancer fighters) and antioxidants.
Organic milk had 24% higher total polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) than conventional milk.
——–
Based on above comments which I have copy pasted from some internet site – please provide the information on the same in your product.
Also while we talk about organic milk – is it from original Indian COW – i.e. no JERSY COWs – or any cross fertiled cows.
Do you have Cow of Girnar ( Gujarat ).? somewhere I had read about Cow from Gir (Girnar in Gujarat) being the best Indian breed of Cow.
Also does your milk provide information on quality specification?
Hi. We would like organic milk to be supplied to us in Santacruz (E). I tried calling at the vashi contact but failed. Pls contact me on 9920906149 if you can supply the same.
How can we differentiate Organic Cow Milk & Regular Cow milk? is there any such test to check that?
what is the price for 1 lit milk in mumbai?
Dear Dr Gaikwad i had Watched a Video of Mukta sanchar Gotha and I hand only first part i would like to watch full video and more some good videos of Govind Dairy can u Plz help plz
or can u plz call me for some help plz my no.08624884422
Thank u
Dear sir I had asked you for your Program on Doordarshan will you pl z help me i had not got a reply till now i am waiting for the reply plz reply mee
I would like to know more about rearing cattle the way you are presently doing who would be the person i should contact to know more about it
I have 2 questions:
1. how do you ensure the milk is not tampered in your delivery system. do you deliver directly/ have tamper free packaging?
2. is there any government body that certifies milk to be organic. are there any specifications for a diary to follow before being certified organic and is the dairy subjected to regular audits?
Dear sir,
I am vet doctor working in ludhiana. some farmer wants to produce organic milk in ludhiana so they want to know how to produce and what are quality measures test to prove organic milk. please sir help me in this regard.
My contact no is 9780363724.
do you also distribute your products in pune? Do you allow visits to your farm and dairy for creating awareness?
regards,suraj
Is this milk available home delivery at dadar
Dear all
We are thankful for your interest in our products & for more information you may visit to our website at http://www.govindmilk.com.
For supply in Mumbai you may contact Mr. Amit 9822655050 and for technical information you may write on drspg@govindmilk.com or may call at 02166-221302.
Regards
Animal welfare Team (Govind Milk)
Dear Dr.Gakwad Sir,
. I am Sanket Jathar from Baramti.I want to start my cow dairy fram with 5 cows.So,How can I manage my green and dry fodder.Give me suggetion about fodder management for my 5 cows.
. I also need your help in purchasing cows,farm constructin,vet.services,etc,etc…So give me your contact detail.
. So please mail me Sir(sanketjathar333@gmail.com).
I would like to order organic milk in Sewri (W)/Parel (E) in Mumbai on a daily basis. Please let me know if you are suplying in this area and how I can obtain the same.
Dear Mr Sanket
You may visit to our model farms at Nimbalak Mr. Hiralal Saste. You will get maximum solutions of your questions.
After your visit to Nimbalak village you come to our office for more discussions.
Animal Welfare Team
Govind Milk
Dear All
Our Organic milk distribution office in New Mumbai one may contact Mr. Amit on 9822655050 for inquiry in all over Mumbai area.
Kindly let me know how can I get govind organic milk in sion
I want to setup organic dairy farm.I have prepared the initial plan but I need more guidance for the same. Can I get help from yourside?
Sir,I want to start My own 10 cows tabela of Gir Cows in Ahmedabad so pl you help me sir.M No: 9898818528
Dear All
Those who have to start a new dairy farm they may visit to our demo dairy farm & take training a one day training
and for more information they may contact to Mr. Suryaji on 7350017743 .
Animal Welfare Team
Govind Milk
Sir,
I am interested for Oraganic Milk production and distribution i The sate of Orissa. Please help me understand if Givind milk can help to be associated for Oraganic milk franchisee or guidance
Thanks
Debasish
+44-7424885043
Hello,
I am from Mumbai and i am interested in buying the Organic Milk. I only have one question, the cows in your farms are not looking like they are desi cows. Probably they are mix foreign breed, its the holstein friesian breed which is known for providing A1 type of Milk which i have heard is not at all good for health. A2 type milk is suppose to be healthier. So can you please tell me whether you provide A1 or A2 type of milk and is there any Certification to prove that?
More information about A1/A2 milk can be found on this links:
http://www.snowvillecreamery.com/a1-and-a2-beta-casein-in-cow-milk.html
https://thebovine.wordpress.com/2009/03/20/the-devil-in-the-milk-dr-thomas-cowan-on-how-a2-milk-is-the-answer-to-the-mystery-of-why-even-raw-milk-sometimes-does-not-seem-to-be-enough-of-an-improvement-over-store-bought/
Would appreciate you’re quick reply!
Sincerely,
imran
Its realy nice work .i like i..it is also good for our farmers…i am also interested to start organic milk farm…can you support me for this project….
Thank
Hrishikesh
Hi, This is Nilesh. A Mech engg working in MNC. I am interested in organic dairy farm. I have 20 acers of land near Saswad,Pune. I have planned to start dairy farm for 20 cows. Will you please provide training for a day as you mentioned in one of your reply. If yes, please let me know details like when, where? Or can we decide after discussion?
Please do reply. I am really serious.
Please find below my contact details:
nil190188@gmail.com
Go to Below Website And see the danger of using Gersi cow. for your milk…
http://www.downtoearth.org.in/content/deshi-cow-milk-jinx
Dear All
We are always working with the farmers to produce natural milk & thus now in Govind Dairy have variety of farms where farmers all over India even abroad also coming to learn this activity. We have 4 Training centers
1) Organic Dairy farming Training center at Vinchurni run by farmer Mr. Anil Nimbalkar
2) Low cost advance dairy farming training center at Nimbalak run by farmer Mr. Hiralal Saste
3)Training center for Women at Rajale Run by Mrs. Manisha Pawar
4)Organic farming training at Adarki Bk run by farmer Mr. Dhanaji Jadhav.
so we give constant training to farmers for natural dairy farming to produce natural organic milk.
Monthly near about 600 farmers trained in this training centers. Here all training is live , practical oriented.
Those who want to take training they may contact on drspg@govindmilk.com
Veterinary Services
Govind Milk
hi Tanya
I am from kandivali (thakur village) and in search of gir cow milk supplier/ organic cow milk( only desi cows.. no mix breed) in our vicinity. can u please help me in locating the same
Hi Nilesh,
Thanks for contacting us.
You can find organic milk at Goderej Fresh Nature’s Basket. They usually keep organic milk but it goes out of stock very quickly.
Hope this helps.
regards,
Tanya
Dear sir
We have the cows that HF & we maintain them by a natural way & Feeding natural feeds as azolla Sprouts to receive quality milk & You may visit the farms in Phaltan.
Govind Milk
Dear Govind team,Just started getting your product from today.Seems to be really good.But those who deliver here in Navi mumbai (Nerul)are charging 80/-litre.Anyway to get it in a reasonable rate?Where should i contact.
Thanks,
sara.
Hello,Dr gaikwad ,
I am from Navi Mumbai and i am interested in buying the Organic Milk. I have one doubt, the cows in your farms are not looking like they are desi cows. Probably they are holstein friesian breed which is known for providing A1 type of Milk which is not at all good for health even though it is organic . While desi cows are providing A2 type milk which is healthier.Not only ghee but even urine N cow dung by desi cow has a medicinal & agricultuaral value (which is not for holestein cow) So can you please tell me which type of milk , A1 or A2 ,u r providing ? Please clarify
Dear sir
greetings!!!
We have mostly HF cows & small scale desi Gir cows also thus the milk is combination of A1 & A2.
Animal welfare Team
Govind Milk
Thank you sir for your information .Highly appreciable if you give % of A1& A2 protein.
(Being a parent of 1 yr old son ,worried due to milk news & health issues nowdays .Hope you understand)
Dear All
Our Organic milk distribution office in New Mumbai one may contact Mr. Amit on 9822655050 for inquiry in all over Mumbai area.
Animal welfare Team
Govind Milk
I would like to buy organic milk. I am travelling to Ahmedabad for a month. We would be staying near Maninagar. Where can I buy milk for everyday use or do you have a home drop service? Please let me know.
Thank you.
Poornima
Dear Sir,
I am planning to open a Dairy Farm of approx 20 animals in Meerut (U.P.).
I am also interested to produce Organic Milk and want to have a training before opening the same. Can you please advise me from where I can get short term training of approx 7 to 10 days.
would like to know more about your milk. And do you deliver in Mumbai
I can supply 100 litres Gir cow milk on daily basis in pune . Please let me know if anybody interested in buying Gir cow milk. We are planning increase the quantity down the line.
Dear Sachin,
Request you to kindly email us with your details of your dairy, milk quality, price etc. Please share all your details with us before mentioning anything to our readers like this. We at The Lifestyle Portal try our best to cross check and verify the brands before we publish/ feature them on our website.
Regards,
Tanya Munshi
Editor
tanya@tanyamunshi.com
Hello Sachin,
I am from Pune. I want home delivery of Gir cow milk. Can u tell me the supplier of milk. pls reply soon.
hi do u deliver to Mumbai and is that a1 or a2 type milk please clarify… I am interested in organic milk thank yoou
We are a group of farmers from Maharashtra. Launching soon Organic Milk in Tetra Pack with known brand. Market survey in progress. Willing to appoint sub distributors all over Maharashtra with attractive terms .If interested please write to us – rksatla@gmail.com -we shall contact you after the survey is over.
Where can I get gir cow milk (A2) in thane
Can you supply milk in bhandup west near station?
Hi,
Do you have any suppliers in Kharghar, Navi Mumbai? If not, how do I buy your milk?
Thanks!
Respected Sir
First of all hats off to your efforts however as I observe in the photos the cows are all Jeresy Cows without Hump
As you are aware Jeresy cows produce A1 quality milk which is the source of all the diseases why don’t you breed Indian Gir Cows who have Surya Ketu on them
If required you can price the milk at 2x the price and I am sure you will get lot of buyers for that
Hi,
Can you please let me know if Govind milk is A2 or not?
Also will you deliver in Breach Candy?
Shall it be delivered in Navi Mumbai cz Kharghar
Would like to have organic milk at kharghar. .Pl send details at email – atulship@gmail.com
Does this milk have any certification for being certified
Dear Sir,
We are starting GIR cow Farm in velhe taluka, Pune. How we can work together, as you are having good experiernce in this sector
Can you please guide me or elsr we can be your supplier