Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha, highlighted the significant role of dairy cooperatives in India’s dairy sector.
As per data provided by the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) for 2023-24, the country had 2,02,521 organized Dairy Cooperative Societies (DCS), with a total milk procurement of 60,654 thousand kilograms per day.
NDDB, established under ‘The National Dairy Development Board Act, 1987’, is an Institution of National Importance. Shah emphasized that NDDB plays a crucial role in promoting, planning, and organizing programs for the development of dairy and allied industries on a nationwide scale.
He further stated that NDDB adopts a cooperative strategy effectively and takes necessary steps to implement its mandate.
The government remains committed to strengthening India’s dairy sector through cooperative initiatives, ensuring sustainable growth and benefiting millions of farmers across the country.
Meanwhile, in a press release, NDDB claimed that women are increasingly leading India’s dairy sector, thanks to NDDB Dairy Services (NDS). While women have traditionally managed cattle and milk production, NDS has helped them become decision-makers and business leaders. Of the 22 Milk Producer Organizations (MPOs) set up by NDS, 17 are entirely owned by women, and 18 have women chairpersons.
Dr. Meenesh Shah, Chairman of NDDB & NDS, highlighted the success of these women-led enterprises, noting that over 1.22 lakh ‘Lakhpati Didis’ have emerged. Women are now expanding into executive roles, with Smt. Rachana Deodhar Goel becoming CEO of Sakhi Mahila MPO. Founded in 2016, Sakhi now operates in Rajasthan, Haryana, and Punjab, serving 90,000 women farmers and generating Rs. 700 crore in revenue.
As women take charge in dairying, NDDB Dairy Services continues to promote inclusive growth, empowering rural communities and strengthening the cooperative movement.
