Makar Sankranti: Dairy industry braces for surge in milk, curd and tilkut demand
Patna: As Makar Sankranti approaches, the state’s dairy industry is bracing for a surge in demand for milk and curd. The Patna Dairy Project is preparing to meet the expected increase, anticipating a 20% rise in sales compared with last year. With the festival just three days away, the project is operating at full capacity to supply milk, curd, tilkut, and paneer to Patna, Vaishali, and Saran districts. Last year, the project sold 8.5 lakh kg of dahi and 33.5 lakh kg of milk, and this year sales are projected to reach 11 lakh kg of dahi and 35–36 lakh kg of milk, officials said.
Enthusiasm for Makar Sankranti has grown in Bihar in recent years. Alongside ritual bathing in the River Ganga and worship, people prepare dahi-chuda in advance. Political feasts have also contributed to the surge in demand, as all major parties organise community meals during the festival.
Rupesh Raj, managing director of the Patna Dairy Project (Patna unit), said, “Compared to last year, sales are estimated to increase by around 20% in 2026. Under this, we are engaged in preparations. The Patna Dairy Project supplies milk, curd, tilkut, paneer, and other items in three districts — Patna, Vaishali, and Saran. Last year, 8.5 lakh kg of curd was sold, generating around Rs 7 crore in sales.”
He added, “Curd sales are likely to increase to 11 lakh kg, which could result in sales of around Rs 9.5 crore. Last year, 33.5 lakh kg of milk was sold, generating Rs 20 crore. This year, sales of 35–36 lakh kg of milk are estimated, potentially yielding Rs 22 crore.”
“In addition, 16,000kg of tilkut was sold last year; this year, the target is 20,000 kg. Paneer sales also increase substantially during Makar Sankranti. Last year, 28,500 kg was sold; this year, we expect 35,000 kg. Overall, the festival business could reach around Rs 40 crore,” he said.
The MD said that milk, curd, tilkut, and paneer sales have increased steadily over the past decade. “We start preparations from Dec 15. The work of tilkut production is now complete. Milk and curd production is proceeding at a war footing,” he said.
Regarding political feasts, Raj said, “We do not supply milk or curd directly to anyone. All goods go through our distributors, who help us gauge demand and estimate sales patterns.”
Enthusiasm for Makar Sankranti has grown in Bihar in recent years. Alongside ritual bathing in the River Ganga and worship, people prepare dahi-chuda in advance. Political feasts have also contributed to the surge in demand, as all major parties organise community meals during the festival.
Rupesh Raj, managing director of the Patna Dairy Project (Patna unit), said, “Compared to last year, sales are estimated to increase by around 20% in 2026. Under this, we are engaged in preparations. The Patna Dairy Project supplies milk, curd, tilkut, paneer, and other items in three districts — Patna, Vaishali, and Saran. Last year, 8.5 lakh kg of curd was sold, generating around Rs 7 crore in sales.”
He added, “Curd sales are likely to increase to 11 lakh kg, which could result in sales of around Rs 9.5 crore. Last year, 33.5 lakh kg of milk was sold, generating Rs 20 crore. This year, sales of 35–36 lakh kg of milk are estimated, potentially yielding Rs 22 crore.”
“In addition, 16,000kg of tilkut was sold last year; this year, the target is 20,000 kg. Paneer sales also increase substantially during Makar Sankranti. Last year, 28,500 kg was sold; this year, we expect 35,000 kg. Overall, the festival business could reach around Rs 40 crore,” he said.
The MD said that milk, curd, tilkut, and paneer sales have increased steadily over the past decade. “We start preparations from Dec 15. The work of tilkut production is now complete. Milk and curd production is proceeding at a war footing,” he said.
Regarding political feasts, Raj said, “We do not supply milk or curd directly to anyone. All goods go through our distributors, who help us gauge demand and estimate sales patterns.”
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