Startup redefining milk delivery with tech-driven, plastic-free system

Time of India

26-05-2025

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Patna: A quiet tech revolution is bubbling in Bihar's heartland and it is transforming something as old as civilisation itself – milk delivery.
In a first for the state, and possibly the country, a homegrown startup is redefining how milk reaches your doorstep.
Milkvilla Private Limited, founded by Aman Jee, an IIT-Patna alumnus, has introduced a Bluetooth-enabled, app-controlled milk dispensing system that delivers chilled, desi cow milk directly into customers' containers each morning with not a single plastic packet in sight.
T
his cutting-edge innovation has already won the trust of more than 6,000 households in Patna, Muzaffarpur and even faraway Bengaluru.
"Patna is our home state's capital and we wanted to build our brand here before expanding across India and abroad. Also, labour costs are lower than anywhere else in the country, making Patna the most financially viable choice for launching our programme," said Aman Jee, the visionary behind the venture.
At the heart of this revolution is a fleet of autorickshaw-mounted dispensers that keep milk at optimal temperatures – between 0 and 4°C – for up to 10 hours.
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Customers receive precise quantities at the push of a button, all tracked through an IoT-connected system. The result? Milk that tastes like it came straight from your own cows, without the waste and inconvenience of traditional packaging.
"I find the quality of the milk the same as we used to get from our own cows in our village," said Rupa Sinha of A G Colony, Patna. "The unique feature of delivering milk with Bluetooth-based devices makes the product more unique and interesting," she added.
Rani of Jay Prakash Nagar said, "The taste is better than any packaged milk and feels more authentic. Every month, I recharge through an app. The moment milk is dispensed into my container, I get a message showing how much has been deducted and how much milk was delivered. The experience has always been hassle-free."
Milkvilla's appeal does not stop at freshness and taste. It is also a champion of sustainability. The company has entirely eliminated plastic from its supply chain, saving over 2 lakh trees in the process.
"We have developed an IoT-based milk dispensing device for precise and efficient delivery directly into consumers' containers," said Mannu Jee, co-founder and marine engineer overseeing operations in Bengaluru.
"We are an independent dairy company with no govt tie-up. We have invested nearly Rs 4 crore, including Rs 40 lakh in govt loans, Rs 2 crore from bank financing and the rest from our personal savings," he said.
The sourcing process is as innovative as the delivery. Specialised three-wheelers fitted with milk analysers and digital weighing scales visit farmers' homes twice daily. The milk is tested on the spot and chilled within 30 minutes of collection, ensuring quality from udder to doorstep.
Elaborating on the tech behind the magic, Mannu said, "Delivery personnel use a unique app that connects to the milk dispenser via WiFi.
This allows them to control the machine and dispense milk according to specific commands. We currently dispense 5,000 litres of milk daily."
Pricing is location-dependent. "In Bengaluru, where we are positioned as a premium brand, we charge Rs 90 per litre. In Patna, prices are on par with state cooperatives," Mannu added.
What truly sets Milkvilla apart is its zero-waste model. Each milk tanker is equipped with a dual-layer insulated surface engineered to keep milk fresh even during the fiercest summer heat.
"Customers can access milk directly from the tanker, eliminating the need for packaging altogether," said Mannu.
The tankers, equipped with real-time IoT technology, offer a dashboard of insights. "Customers can monitor milk levels, schedule deliveries, and customise preferences through our mobile app. Meanwhile, suppliers track the tanker's location, temperature and status at all times for efficient route planning and maintenance."
The innovation does not stop with milk. In Bengaluru, Milkvilla delivers paneer wrapped in banana leaves, curd in replaceable containers and butter tucked into coconut shells. These eco-conscious packaging solutions will soon make their debut in Patna and other cities.
Ashutosh Kumar, a customer from Patel Nagar, is impressed. "Their ghee and paneer come in special aluminium packs and the milk tastes like raw cow milk, free of artificial additives," he said.
To prevent tampering, the dispensers are digitally locked and can only be opened once the vehicle returns to base. "This system has earned customer trust," said Satya Prakash Ranjan of AG Colony.
Milkvilla's foray into Bengaluru has been met with enthusiasm. Suwarnayam Swamy applauded the creamy texture and sustainable packaging. "It is the best raw milk I have found in the city," said Prachi Reddy, another customer.
With its blend of tradition and innovation, Milkvilla is setting a bold new standard for India's dairy industry, proving that milk, the most essential of staples, can be smart, sustainable and satisfyingly fresh.