KATHMANDU: State-owned Dairy Development Corporation (DDC) has reported a significant increase in business following the adoption of an aggressive market expansion strategy. Once limited to a few outlets, the corporation is now expanding its presence nationwide through collaborations with the private sector.
Anjan Adhikari, an economic expert at the corporation, stated that DDC’s business has surpassed the break-even point. He noted that the organization, which previously struggled with losses and delays in payments to farmers, is now on a path of improvement. Currently, over 22 outlets are operating in the Kathmandu Valley, with five more in the final stages of opening. Outside the valley, new outlets are already functional in Hetauda, Butwal, Tikapur, Biratnagar, and Janakpur, with plans to expand into Pokhara, Nepalgunj, Dhangadhi, and Itahari.
The market reach has further widened following an agreement to supply dairy products to the Nepal Army across 31 districts. Adhikari stated that the corporation records an average daily turnover of Rs 10 million, which rises to between Rs 12 million and Rs 13 million during festivals. He added that the issue of outstanding payments to farmers has seen significant improvement, with a payment system now operating every 15 days based on account settlements.
Chitra Yadav, who operates a DDC outlet in Kupandole, Lalitpur, said that consumer demand and trust have exceeded expectations. She highlighted that milk, yogurt, buttermilk, and ghee are in high demand, while it is becoming difficult to meet the demand for butter. To cater to customers, the outlet remains open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Regular DDC consumer Sujan Acharya expressed that public confidence in the corporation’s products has grown. He noted that the increased accessibility of these products through modern outlets across the city is a positive development. It is expected that if this market expansion continues, it will not only provide consumers with easier access to domestic dairy products but also help ensure a stable market for dairy farmers.
