Minister’s Claim on Dairy Subsidy Contradicted by Wife’s Firm’s Soaring Profits

Assam Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah’s public justification for a controversial government subsidy granted to his wife’s dairy firm, JMB AGRO, is now under serious scrutiny after Pratidin Time accessed financial records showing a dramatic and sudden spike in the firm’s earnings — precisely after his wife took over as Director.

Background: Minister’s Justification Sparks Debate

The controversy began after reports surfaced that JMB AGRO, a dairy business linked to the Minister’s family, had received state subsidies under a public welfare scheme. Amid allegations of favouritism and conflict of interest, the Minister recently defended the firm’s eligibility, claiming that even major corporate figures like “Ambani or Adani” could apply for such benefits if they had repayment capacity.

“Juli Deka Baruah has started a dairy with 60–70 cows. There is no irregularity. She is eligible like any other citizen,” the Minister told reporters, denying any wrongdoing.

He also dismissed questions about the profitability of the venture, claiming that dairy is not a lucrative business.

“There is no break-even point in dairy. It is not a profitable venture.”

However, this assertion appears at odds with data from JMB AGRO’s own balance sheets.

Balance Sheet Tells a Different Story

According to official filings reviewed by Pratidin Time, Juli Deka Baruah became Director of JMB AGRO in 2020. Prior to that, the firm had consistently low annual revenues:

• 2019–20: ₹1.95 lakh

• 2020–21: ₹1.19 lakh

Following her appointment, however, the firm posted exponential growth:

• 2021–22: ₹33.58 lakh (a 1600% jump)

• 2022–23: ₹66.82 lakh

• 2023–24: ₹77.89 lakh

This abrupt leap — from a small, loss-making micro-farm to a multi-lakh-earning enterprise in just three years — raises critical questions about the role of political proximity in accessing and leveraging state-backed schemes.

Opposition Demands Transparency, Probe

The documents have triggered sharp responses from opposition leaders and civil society groups, who are now demanding:

• A public disclosure of all beneficiaries under Assam’s dairy subsidy schemes.

• A third-party audit to examine how subsidies were allocated and utilised.

• An independent inquiry to determine whether proper due diligence and transparency protocols were followed.

Critics argue that the Minister’s defence — comparing a politically connected dairy farm to large-scale industrial enterprises — reflects deep insensitivity to ground realities and undermines the true intent of public welfare initiatives.

“If such schemes are being cornered by individuals with political access or financial advantages, it defeats the purpose of supporting genuine grassroots entrepreneurs,” said a senior leader of a regional party.

No Response from Juli Deka Baruah or JMB AGRO

Repeated attempts by Pratidin Time to contact Juli Deka Baruah or any spokesperson from JMB AGRO went unanswered at the time of filing this report.

The company’s filings with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs corroborate the revenue figures, but provide no insight into operational expenses, loan repayment records, or the exact quantum of subsidies received.

A Political Lightning Rod

The unfolding revelations are now threatening to snowball into a larger political controversy. What began as a subsidy for a dairy unit has turned into a case study in potential conflict of interest, financial opacity, and questionable governance.

With Assembly sessions around the corner and opposition parties readying motions for discussion, Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah may face increasing pressure to explain not just the numbers — but the ethics behind them.

Also Read: Inside JMB Agro: The Secret Business Empire of Assam Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah