In some states, the Ministry of Human Resource Development (HRD), Government of India, provides financing for cooperative milk producers' unions which implement the "Support to Training and Employment Programme" (STEP).  Under this programme, dairy cooperatives are formed with membership as well as the management entirely composed of  women milk producers.

NDDB recognises the importance of STEP as a way to encourage increased women's participation in their dairy cooperatives.  Whether eligible for STEP funding, or otherwise, milk unions are encouraged to organise all Women Dairy Cooperatives. As on June 2001, there are 10,492 all Women Dairy Cooperatives.