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

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.

- Mukeet Akmali

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."