Abandoned Assam dairy project leaves farmers in crisis after alleged fraud
A once-thriving dairy project in Sanbasa, Nazira, now stands abandoned due to financial mismanagement and internal conflicts. The Sundarpukhuri Dairy Cooperative Society, launched by local farmers in 2014, has shut down, leaving expensive machinery unused and funds unaccounted for. Residents are calling for urgent government intervention to revive the scheme and investigate the alleged wrongdoing.
The cooperative was set up to boost rural employment and economic growth. Under its own brand, Kareng, it established a milk pasteurisation plant and a marketing network. At its peak, the project contributed over Rs 1 crore annually to the local economy.
However, internal disputes and accusations of embezzlement led to its downfall. Locals claim Dr Jagadish Barman, the former veterinarian who helped found the cooperative, took control of operations and misused funds. Over Rs 1.2 crore, meant for machinery and equipment, now sits rusting in the abandoned facility.
No public records exist detailing the cooperative's legal structure, membership, or government support between 2014 and 2026. With the project on the brink of collapse, residents are demanding a transparent investigation and swift action against those responsible.
The closure of the dairy project has left farmers and workers without income. Authorities face pressure to recover lost funds, restore operations, and prevent further misuse of public resources. The outcome of any investigation will determine whether the cooperative can be revived or if the investment is lost for good.
