A “Workshop on Sustainability and Circularity” in Dairy Sector was held in New Delhi. The event, organized by Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (under Union Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying) in collaboration with National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), focuses on transforming dairy sector through innovative cooperative strategies.
Key Highlights of Workshop
Enhancing Cooperative Infrastructure:
- NDDB has been directed to explore the possibility of establishing small cooperatives at the village level to process cattle skins and bones, ensuring that these by-products are not diverted to unorganized sector.
- The initiative aims to set up a comprehensive farm-to-factory value chain within villages, uplifting marginal farmers and reducing rural-to-urban migration.
Focus on Sustainability and Circularity:
- The workshop emphasizes achieving 100% circularity in the dairy sector, not just through processing cow dung for biogas, but also by innovatively utilizing cattle skins, bones, and manufacturing machinery through cooperatives.
- These efforts support the government’s mantra of “Profit for People” through cooperative principles, guided by the three core values: Sahkar Se Shakti, Sahkar Se Sahyog, and Sahkar Se Samriddhi.
Economic Empowerment of Farmers:
- In the cooperative dairy sector, over 75% of consumer spending goes directly to farmer, compared to only 32% in corporate sector, highlighting need to bridge this profit gap.
- The initiative aims to ensure that 16 crore tonnes of cow dung benefit cooperatives, thereby contributing to both environmental sustainability and farmer income.
Supportive Government Initiatives:
- Under the White Revolution 2.0 program, the goal is to form a state-level union in every state and UT and milk unions in 80% of districts.
- The Cooperation Amongst Cooperatives initiative is making funds more accessible, with 93% of institutions in Gujarat now holding accounts in cooperative banks.
- The Micro ATM model in Gujarat, providing unprecedented benefits to livestock farmers, is being recommended for expansion across all districts by NABARD.
About the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB)
Statutory Body and Institution of National Importance:
- Established under an Act of Parliament, NDDB operates under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying.
Headquarters & Subsidiaries:
- Based in Anand, Gujarat, with regional offices nationwide.
- Key subsidiaries include Indian Dairy Machinery Company Ltd (IDMC), Mother Dairy, Indian Immunologicals Limited (Hyderabad), NDDB Dairy Services, NDDB Mrida Ltd., and NDDB CALF Ltd.
Mandate:
- NDDB supports producer-owned and controlled organizations and implements programs to strengthen farmer cooperatives, promoting cooperative strategies in line with national policies.