From power crisis to energy independence: How Kashmir's dairy plant is leading a quiet revolution

Srinagar, June 10: In South Kashmir's Pulwama, where power cuts have long disrupted industrial rhythms, a quiet revolution is taking shape. The Zum Zum Milk Processing Plant's transition to solar energy represents more than just cost savings—it embodies Kashmir's gradual shift toward energy resilience and economic self-reliance.

Shafat Shah's Zum Zum Milk Processing Plant is now saving electricity costs after he installed a comprehensive solar power system – a decision that's making him something of a local celebrity among Kashmir's business community.

"As per my conservative analysis, the installation of a solar power plant will save a monthly power bill of Rs 40,000, which is a good amount for any business,"   said Shah, sitting in his modest office at the Industrial Estate Lassipora.

Shah's entrepreneurial journey to solar power began with frustration over Kashmir's chronic electricity shortages. His milk processing unit, which handles between 20,000 to 30,000 litres of milk daily, couldn't afford the luxury of power cuts during crucial processing hours.

"I was quite fascinated with this technology, given the fact that Kashmir is always facing a power deficit," Shah explained. "I enquired about the installation of a solar plant in my factory. There is no subsidy from the government in the commercial sector, so I had to arrange everything through private companies."

Shah's facility, established in 2008, has grown from a struggling startup to one of South Kashmir's significant dairy suppliers. The plant employs 25 workers and sources milk from dozens of villages across the Pulwama district. But success came with escalating operational costs, particularly electricity.

The businessman, who also has ventures in hospitality and paper trading, said he was initially sceptical about solar technology's reliability. "I visited some facilities in other states and was impressed. The technology has advanced," he said.

The solar installation wasn't a simple decision. Shah invested heavily in the system but declined to disclose the exact amount. However, he's confident about the economics. "In five to six years, I will get back my investments. The solar plant is under warranty for 25 years, so it's a long-term solution."

What makes Shah's story particularly significant is that he did it entirely without government support. While Jammu and Kashmir offers subsidies for residential solar installations, commercial units receive no such assistance.

"There is no subsidy from the government in the commercial sector. Therefore, I got it done from Tata," Shah said, referring to the company that handled his installation. "But I request my fellow business fellows to install this system. It could save money and make us self-reliant in Kashmir."

The Zam Zam brand, initially called Zum Zum when Shah established it at the Industrial Growth Centre in Lassipora, now has a steady market presence across Kashmir. The plant processes milk into various products and maintains quality standards that have built customer loyalty over the years.

Shah's transition to solar comes at a time when Kashmir's industrial sector is grappling with multiple challenges. Power shortages have long been a bottleneck for manufacturing units, forcing many to rely on expensive diesel generators or limit production schedules.

"We are deficient in electricity. Solar could help if more businesses adopt it," Shah said. "The technology is reliable, and the savings are immediate."

Industry insiders say several other manufacturing units in the region are now studying Shah's model. The success of his solar installation is being closely watched by business associations and individual entrepreneurs who have been hesitant about renewable energy adoption.

Shah's background adds another layer to his success story. Born into a family involved in the textile business, he chose to chart his own course across different sectors. His entrepreneurial journey from hospitality to paper trading and finally to dairy processing reflects what he calls his "restless" nature.

The solar installation has also given Shah's business a competitive edge. With a guaranteed power supply, the plant can maintain consistent production schedules and meet delivery commitments, crucial factors in the perishable dairy business.

For Shah, the Rs 40,000 monthly savings represent more than just cost reduction. "It's about becoming self-reliant. When you're not dependent on the grid, you can focus on growing your business rather than managing power problems," he explained.

As Kashmir continues to grapple with industrial development challenges, Shah's solar success story offers a practical template for energy independence.