NDDB to launch NDP for quantum hike in milk production

According to the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) the stage was set for the launch of the board's special purpose vehicle - NDDB Dairy Services, as the centre intended to implement the National Dairy Plan (NDP) to implement a quantum hike in milk production.

Board chairman Amrita Patel, addressing media persons at NDDB headquarters in Anand said the first phase of the programme from 2011 to 2017 would be carried out at an estimated cost of Rs1,600 crore.

She said increasing productivity would be the main focus during the first phase and augmentation in procurement and marketing would also be taken care of.

As per the Planning Commission's projection, the demand for milk in the country is expected to touch 180 million tonne in 2010-21. To further hike the milk production to meet the demand NDDB has worked out a 15-year NDP, envisaging a total investment of Rs17,000 crore. The plans would focus on increasing productivity and ration balancing for the purpose.

After considering the proposed plan, the Central Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying has in consultations with 14 major dairying states (accounting for over 90 per cent of the country's milk production) decided to undertake a scientifically planned programme to increase bovine productivity in milk production.

Principal secretaries in-charge of Animal Husbandary and Dairying and the managing directors of the state cooperative dairy federations represented the states with senior officials from NDDB and representatives of the World Bank also participating in the deliberations. The World Bank is expected to extend financial support for the program by way of soft loans.