Overview
Uttar Pradesh has started supplying indigenous cow-milk products, including a high-protein, low-fat cultured dairy product called Skyr, to the Indian Army. The milk comes from Gir and Sahiwal cows. The initiative supports cow conservation, rural employment, and modern dairy technology, aligning with Atmanirbhar Bharat.
A New Chapter for UP’s Dairy Sector
Uttar Pradesh has taken a significant step in combining dairy development with defence supply chains. The state has begun supplying products made from indigenous cow milk to the Indian Army. One of the key products is Skyr – a premium, high-protein, low-fat cultured dairy product traditionally associated with Iceland. In Uttar Pradesh, it is marketed under the name Skyrrup . The milk comes from indigenous breeds like Gir and Sahiwal . This initiative is part of a larger dairy programme launched on 18 May 2026 called Operation-4 , which focuses on indigenous cow breeds, rural employment, and modern dairy technology.
What is Skyr and Why is it Special?
Skyr is not ordinary curd or yoghurt. It is a thick, creamy, and protein-rich dairy product. It contains very little fat. In its traditional form, Skyr has been a staple in Icelandic cuisine for centuries. To produce Skyr, milk is cultured with specific bacteria and then strained to remove whey. This gives it a dense, high-protein texture. The product supplied from Uttar Pradesh is made from the milk of Gir and Sahiwal cows. It is then processed using advanced dairy technologies adapted from Denmark and Iceland. The result is a nutritious, easily digestible product that is ideal for soldiers who need high-energy, healthy food.
Indigenous Cow Breeds: Gir and Sahiwa l
India has many indigenous cattle breeds, but Gir and Sahiwal are among the most famous.
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Gir cows are originally from Gujarat. They are known for their hardiness, disease resistance, and high-quality milk. Gir milk has a high fat content and is valued for making ghee and other dairy products.
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Sahiwal cows are known as one of the best milch breeds in India. They produce good quantities of milk and are well adapted to hot climates. Their milk is rich in protein and fat.
Both breeds are now being promoted in Uttar Pradesh under government schemes. Using their milk for products like Skyr adds value and helps conserve these indigenous breeds.
Operation-4: A State-Level Dairy Mission
On 18 May 2026 , the Uttar Pradesh government launched Operation-4 in the dairy sector. The programme is specifically focused on indigenous cow breeds. It provides subsidies for setting up dairy units. Two key schemes are part of this initiative:
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Mukhyamantri Swadeshi Gau Samvardhan Yojana – This scheme supports dairy units with two to 25 cows . It encourages small and marginal farmers to take up indigenous cow rearing.
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Nandini Krishak Samriddhi Yojana – This scheme provides additional support for training, veterinary care, and marketing of indigenous cow products.
Under Operation-4, the government aims to increase milk production from indigenous breeds, create rural employment, and link dairy farmers to organised markets, including defence canteens.
The Model Behind the Success: Engineer S.N. Dwivedi
One of the driving forces behind this supply chain is Engineer S.N. Dwivedi from Noida. He has developed a unique model that combines three goals: employment generation, cow conservation, and modern dairy technology . His unit reportedly rears more than 250 indigenous cows . The cows are kept in hygienic conditions, fed nutritious fodder, and milked using modern machines. The milk is then processed using Icelandic and Danish technologies to make Skyr (Skyrrup) and other products.
His model has become so successful that the Indian Army has started ordering products from him. He also supplies high-protein milk and cow-based products online to the National Capital Region and major cities like Chennai, Bengaluru, and Mumbai .
Employment and Rural Livelihoods
The dairy initiative is not just about milk. It is about creating jobs in rural areas. Each dairy unit with 10-25 cows requires at least two to three persons for feeding, milking, and cleaning. Larger units employ more people. Additionally, the processing and packaging of Skyr and other products create jobs in small towns. Women are particularly involved in dairy activities. By promoting indigenous cows, the government also reduces the stray cattle problem. Many farmers who previously abandoned old cows now find it profitable to keep them for milk.
Connecting with Atmanirbhar Bharat
This initiative is a perfect example of Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India). Instead of importing high-protein dairy products from Europe, India is now producing them locally. The Indian Army, which has a huge demand for nutritious food, can source its requirements from within the country. This reduces foreign exchange outflow and creates local wealth. It also ensures that soldiers get fresh, high-quality products made from indigenous milk.
A Human Touch: The Farmer’s Pride
Meet Ramkesh, a small farmer from a village near Lucknow. He used to own two mixed-breed cows that gave little milk. Under the Mukhyamantri Swadeshi Gau Samvardhan Yojana, he bought two Sahiwal cows with a government subsidy. He now sells the milk to a local dairy unit that supplies to the Skyr processing plant. His monthly income has doubled. He says, “I am proud that my cows’ milk goes to our army. I feel like I am also serving the nation.” This is the human impact of the programme.
Quality and Market Reach
The Skyr products supplied to the army are made under strict quality control. They are rich in protein and low in fat, making them suitable for active soldiers. The products are also sold online under the name Skyrrup. Urban health-conscious consumers in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai can order them directly. This opens a large market for indigenous dairy products.
Conclusion
Uttar Pradesh’s initiative to supply indigenous cow-milk products like Skyr to the Indian Army is a win-win for all. It provides nutritious food to soldiers, supports cow conservation, creates rural jobs, and promotes self-reliance. With Operation-4 and the vision of Engineer S.N. Dwivedi, this model can be replicated in other states. The humble Gir and Sahiwal cows are now helping fuel India’s defence forces and rural economy.
Exam-Focused Points
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Skyr – high-protein, low-fat cultured dairy product; traditionally from Iceland; marketed in UP as Skyrrup .
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Indigenous breeds used: Gir (Gujarat origin) and Sahiwal (known for high milk yield and heat tolerance).
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Operation-4 – launched by Uttar Pradesh on 18 May 2026 for dairy sector focusing on indigenous cows.
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Schemes under Operation-4: Mukhyamantri Swadeshi Gau Samvardhan Yojana (2-25 cows) and Nandini Krishak Samriddhi Yojana.
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Engineer S.N. Dwivedi – developed model unit with over 250 indigenous cows; supplies to Indian Army.
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Products supplied to Army: Skyr (Skyrrup) and other high-protein milk products.
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Supply also to urban areas: NCR, Chennai, Bengaluru, Mumbai via online sales.
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Policy context: Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliance).
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Dairy technology: Adapted from Denmark and Iceland.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is Skyr and how is it different from regular yoghurt?
A: Skyr is a cultured dairy product that is thick, creamy, and very high in protein but low in fat. Unlike regular yoghurt, it is strained to remove whey, giving it a dense texture.
Q2: Which indigenous cow breeds are used for the milk?
A: The milk comes from Gir and Sahiwal cows, two of India’s best-known indigenous breeds.
Q3: When was Operation-4 launched?
A: Operation-4 was launched on 18 May 2026 by the Uttar Pradesh government.
Q4: Who is Engineer S.N. Dwivedi?
A: He is a Noida-based engineer who developed a successful dairy model rearing over 250 indigenous cows. His unit supplies Skyr and other products to the Indian Army.
Q5: What is the brand name of Skyr in Uttar Pradesh?
A: It is marketed under the name Skyrrup .