The interest-free 'Sumul — Sudico Dudh Ganga Pashu Loan Yojna' is also being continued by the union for the third consecutive year for the development of the milk business. Additionally, the 'Calf/Heifer Breeding Program' has been implemented to raise high genetic quality calves/heifers in a scientific manner at the homes of milk producers.

Various schemes of the Sumul Dairy Union, along with schemes implemented by the government and, where required, cooperative banks, have been coordinated effectively. With the cooperation of all involved, these schemes have been well implemented, providing benefits to the milk producers.

Healthy animal' refers to the mass deworming and vaccination campaigns conducted by Sumul Dairy, aimed at maximizing milk production and providing 24-hour quality care for sick animals. Additionally, modern techniques such as sexed semen and embryo transfer have been implemented under the artificial insemination service.

A modest effort is being made to provide silage for livestock, with a focus on prioritizing animal nutrition. Additionally, to increase the consumption of Sumul Cattle Feed, a tour plan has been implemented allowing congregation members to visit the Sumul Cattle Feed factory in person, thereby raising awareness among them. This initiative has received a very positive response from the members.

To enhance the value of the business and increase income from milk production in animal husbandry, milk producers can utilize animal dung to produce organic fertilizer, use it in biogas, and reduce other costs. The gas plant scheme has benefited 4,743 families this year, helping the environment. A family-sized biogas plant has been established with your excellent cooperation. The government has also expressed readiness to continue participating in this scheme this year, allowing you to benefit from it again.

To reduce the financial burden of electricity on milk societies, those with BCUs have been provided with guidance for setting up 'Roof Top Solar Plants,' and such solar plants have been established in these societies. Inspired by our approach, the government has also introduced a support scheme from the tribal department for milk societies. This will benefit you this year and help the societies become financially viable.

At the same time, the board of directors of the union increased the cooling charge by 5 paisa to help offset the cost of cooling milk. It has been decided to pay 55 paisa per litre.

Various schemes were implemented during the year, focusing on the development of milk societies and milk producers for the year 2025-26, with the goal of achieving a target of 25 lakh liters of milk procurement per day and increasing milk production in the coming years. Objectives include enhancing congregation participation in activities and improving milk production and economic viability. We request all of you to partner in these efforts.

Starting from April 1, 2024, the "Sabhasad Suraksha Bima Yojana" has been implemented for milk-filling members and non-members. Under this scheme, the Union, through Sumul Management, has introduced its own plan to assist eligible members in the event of accidental death.

Sales growth has been achieved through a customer-oriented approach to milk and milk products, the introduction of new products, and various projects at the Union level. These initiatives prioritized the modernization of plant departments and the increase in plant capacity, while also implementing and prioritizing effective sales systems.

As you all know, the maximum percentage of dividend paid on shares is 20% according to the Cooperative Act. We are also pleased to announce that this dividend percentage has been revised.

EXPRESS GRATEFULNESS

Both the Central Government and State Government have extended their support for the development of our union, milk societies, and milk producers. In response to this invaluable support, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Prime Minister, the Chief Minister, and all government officials.

We are also thankful to the Chairman and the Managing Director of the federation, as well as the Chairmen, Managing Directors, and General Managers of member unions who have consistently provided their guidance, support, and cooperation.

Our deep appreciation goes to the Chairman and Managing Director of the National Dairy Development Board, who has offered guidance whenever required, for which we are truly indebted and grateful.

The State Government and its various departments, particularly the Animal Husbandry and Cooperative departments, the District Registrar of Surat, the Tribal Sub-Plan of Mandvi and Songadh, the Surat and Tapi District Panchayats, and various Taluka Panchayats, have extended their cooperation, and we express our sincere thanks to them.

We also acknowledge the cooperation we have received from the District Registrar, Special Auditor (Milk), the Milk Audit Office in Surat, Chartered accountant Modh & Co., officers from the Surat District Cooperative Bank, other cooperative banks, Nationalized Banks, Surat Municipal Corporation, Torrent Power Ltd., Gujarat Gas Co., and the Mahidharpura Police Station.

We take immense pride in acknowledging the valuable support of our cherished customers, milk distribution agents, transport contractors, and vendors who have also extended their cooperation. Furthermore, we are grateful to the management of Milk Cooperative Societies and their dedicated staff and members for their unwavering support in our operations and the implementation of various extension programs.

Lastly, we would like to express our heartfelt thanks to our Board Members of the Union for their consistent cooperation, which has significantly contributed to our success. We proudly recognize the contributions of the Managing Director, Shri Arun H. Purohit, as well as the officers and staff members of the union in the operation and progress of our organization. Their contributions have played a vital role in our achievements, and we are wholeheartedly thankful for their dedication.