The National Cooperative Dairy Federation of India Ltd (NCDFI) celebrated its 53rd Foundation Day and Institutional Sales Awards 2023 at Chintan Bhawan, Gangtok recently. The highlight of the program was the presentation of North East Institutional Sales Awards’ 2023 by Chief Guest Mr Lok Nath Sharma, Minister for Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry & Veterinary.
The function aimed to acknowledge and appreciate the dedication of dairy cooperatives involved in supplying milk and milk products to the Indian Army in difficult terrains, informs a press note issued by the cooperative organization.
The Minister bestowed awards on West Assam Milk Union, Sikkim Cooperative Milk Producers Union, Dimapur Milk Union and National Dairy Development Board for continued patronage.
A presentation on ‘Farm Equipment Solutions for Smart Dairying’ was made by Dr Abhinash Ghule, Senior Manager, NCDFI. This was followed by the launching of ‘Farm Equipment Solutions for Smart Dairying by Minister Mr LN Sharma. Under this initiative, dairy Farmers having a minimum of five cows will be facilitated with Solar Light, Chaff Cutter, Milking Machine, Feeding Bottle, five Cow Mat and Kisan Credit Card (KCC-AH) of rupees three lakhs.
Further, hi-tech training will be provided/funded by NCDFI and facilitated by Sikkim Milk Union. The beneficiary receiving the facilities today under this initiative was Shri Jewan Prasad Sharma from Upper Lingzey, Milk Producers Cooperative Society (MPCS). Milking Machine sponsored by NCDFI was also presented by the Minister to L.B.Pradhan , Khamdong-B, MPCS.
Bulk Milk Cooler (BMC) and BMC Shed Allotment Letter with cheque of rupees three lakhs for 300 ltr and rupees five lakhs for 500 ltr were presented by the Minister to Mr Tej Man Pradhan from Lower Timburbung MPCS, Soreng District and Mr Paras Mani Chettri from Upper Shanku MPCS, Gyalshing District respectively.
Mr LN Sharma also presented an Automatic Milk Collection Unit (AMCU) Printer to Mr Pradeep Subba, West Pandem Khani, Pakyong District.
Following this, the keys of five Ambulatory Clinic Vans sponsored by Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL), Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India, Numaligargh, Assam in presence of Shri Sudip Pradhan, Independent Director, NRL Cum Chairman CSR Fund and Shri Mintu Hendique GM, CSR, under its CSR scheme in were presented by the
Chief Guest to Chorten Drivers Association, Deorali, Sahakar Bharati Sikkim, Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation, Gangtok, Doars Expressway (Odlabari, West Bengal) and Himalayan Anti Aids and Anti Narcotic Drugs Society (HANDS), Kalimpong, West Bengal.
He thanked NCDFI for its initiatives and assured full support of the state Government. He marked the launching of model farms as one of most encouraging facilities towards strengthening the dairy potential of the state. He emphasized the significance of farming products and its indispensable relation with human society. The Minister invited guests from outside to explore the beauty and bounty of nature found in Sikkim.
In his brief keynote address, Dr Mangal Jit Rai, Chairman, NCDFI thanked everyone for their contribution in NCDFI’s efforts to take the ‘cooperative milk movement’ forward. He spoke about NCDFI’s Management Development Program (MDP) for senior officials of dairy cooperatives. He appreciated the efforts and dedication of dairy cooperatives for their active involvement in supplying milk and serving as an inspiration for others to participate in this noble cause.
Earlier, Mr Srinivas Sajja, MD, NCDFI in his welcome address informed that Gangtok has been chosen as the venue for the celebration this year, symbolising NCDFI’s commitment and support to the developmental aspirations of the North-East region.
The program included screening of short films of NCDFI, Sikkim Milk Union and launching of NCDFI’s Coffee table Book. NDCFI thanked the Chief Minister of Sikkim for his support through a video presentation.
A large number of prominent people including Mr YT Lepcha, MLA Gangtok, Mrs Ganga Parsai and scores of cooperative functionaries attended the event. A vote of thanks was proposed by Dr Tilak Ghataney, MD, SCMPU.
