PG DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND MANAGEMENT ORGANIZED INDUSTRIAL VISIT TO VERKA MILK PLANT, MOHALI

The PG Department of Commerce & Management organized an industrial visit for the students of the department to Verka Milk Plant, Mohali, Chandigarh on 1st March 2025 (Saturday). The main aim of the visit was to provide a practical insight of the entire dairy process of milk and milk related products. Verka Milk Plant in Mohali, Punjab, is in the Industrial Area Phase 6, presently, The Ropar District Cooperative Milk Producer’s Union Limited. The students were taken on the tour of the production site into two groups. The information regarding the Product and its process right from raw material stage to finished goods stage was given by two trainers from Quality Control and Inspection Department.

The students were given detailed knowledge about the entire process from Milk Reception to Packaging, Distribution and Maintenance. The students were initially shown the refrigerated tankers which is used by Verka collects milk from local dairy farmers, farmer cooperatives, and village-level milk collection centres later, this collected milk is transported to the Verka processing plant in refrigerated tankers. Then the milk is weighed and measured at the measurement point.

The milk undergoes a quality test to ensure its quality, purity, and freedom from adulteration. This involves a series of tests, including the Milk Fat Test, which measures the fat content of the milk. Additionally, the Milk Protein Test is conducted to determine the protein content of the milk. The Milk SNF (Solids-Not-Fat) Test is also performed to measure the SNF content of the milk. Finally, the Milk Adulteration Test is carried out to detect any adulterants that may be present in the milk.

Then students were taken to the pasteurization unit, were practically shown how milk is pasteurized to kill bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms that may be present. This process involves heating the milk to a temperature of around 161 F (72 C) for at least 15 seconds. After pasteurization, the milk is standardized to adjust its fat content and other parameters to meet the required standards. This is achieved by separating the cream from the milk to adjust the fat content. Then milk is further distributed into various units wherever required by use of pipelines.

Subsequently, the students proceeded to the packaging site, where they witnessed the culmination of the Automated Milk Processing Plant. Through an intricate network of pipelines, the finished and processed milk reached an automated machine, which efficiently dispensed the filled milk packets. Notably, the machine had a meticulously labelled milk packet roll, with pertinent product information, pricing details, and prominent branding, thereby ensuring a professional and visually appealing presentation.

Finally, the packaged milk is distributed to retailers, wholesalers, and institutional customers through a network of distributors and logistics partners. To maintain its quality and safety, the milk is stored and transported in refrigerated conditions throughout the distribution process.

At last, the students visited the fermentation unit, Mrs. Harvinder, Quality Inspector of Fermentation, detailed about fermentation process of curd making. She explained that milk is first prepared by standardizing its fat content and temperature. Next, a starter culture is added to the milk to initiate the fermentation process. Then packed and sealed into tetra containers which are further packed into cartons. The milk is then incubated at a controlled temperature of 43 C for adequate hours, allowing the starter culture to grow and ferment the lactose. During the fermentation process, the lactose is converted into lactic acid, which gives the product its characteristic flavour and texture.

During the field visit a total of 57 students visited the plant- divided into two groups of 27 and 30 students. Five teachers accompanied them to the entire visit, from Milk Reception to packaging Distribution and maintenance. Verka Milk Plant Mohali is a front-line Milk Plant in Co-operative Sector having installed handling capacity of 5,00,000 litres of Milk per day. The plant is supplying Verka Milk and fresh milk products to many eminent institutions like Punjab University, PGI, renowned hotels like Mount View, Shivalik View, Park View, CITCO etc.

It was a resourceful and learning experience for the students. It served as an innovative way for students to learn the practical aspects of the industry, its operations and working.