ANAND/AHEMDABAD: Madhya Pradesh State Cooperative Dairy Federation (MPCDF) and the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) has signed a collaboration agreement to build a robust dairy cooperative ecosystem in Madhya Pradesh in the august presence of Home Minister Amit Shah and Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav.
Paving the way for collaboration between NDDB and Bhopal Dugdh Sangh, NDDB Chairperson Dr Meenesh Shah and Kaushlendra Vikram Singh, Divisional Commissioner of Bhopal exchanged another agreement.
On the occasion Amit Shah said that since formation of the Ministry of Cooperation, there has been a significant change in the cooperative sector under the leadership of the Prime Minister.
Now, this sector is progressing rapidly, he said. Shah also mentioned that Madhya Pradesh has greater potential for the expansion of cooperative societies compared to other states.
He suggested that with this agreement, we should aim to establish primary dairy cooperative societies in 50 per cent villages within the first five years. If dairy cooperative societies are established in 50 per cent villages, then the milk processing capacity in the cooperative sector will increase manifold and make the farmers prosperous.
Amit Shah stated that in this endeavour, the Modi government and the National Dairy Development Board are firmly supporting the farmers of Madhya Pradesh. NDDB and MPCDF are committed to taking every possible step for the welfare of the farmers. It is a matter of great happiness that a collaboration agreement is being signed, transferring the management and operations of the federation and its allied milk unions to NDDB.
The revival, expansion and strengthening of the dairy cooperative sector will not only benefit lakhs of milk producers in the state but also accelerate the growth of the state’s dairy industry. He advised the Government of Madhya Pradesh and NDDB to work together to ensure that dairy cooperatives reach the maximum number of villages.
CM Mohan Yadav stated that under “Prosperity through Cooperation,” Madhya Pradesh is taking a significant step to transform the lives of dairy farmers through this agreement. The state has a favourable environment for milk production. Yadav conveyed that farmers will be encouraged to increase milk production and the state government is committed to ensure that milk is purchased directly from dairy farmers at fair prices.
The processing capacity of all milk unions will be increased, providing farmers with livelihood opportunities and market access. Yadav expressed hope that NDDB will play a vital role in the development of dairy cooperatives by providing continuous support and guidance to milk federations and producer institutions.
He also announced that his Government has decided to launch Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar Kamdhenu Scheme to increase milk production in Madhya Pradesh. Dr Meenesh Shah, Chairman, NDDB said that under the inspiring leadership of Shri Amit Shah and guidance of Dr Mohan Yadav, NDDB will provide direction and support services in the areas of cooperation.
Major focus will be on expanding cooperative coverage; quality improvement measures at various stages of milk collection, transportation and processing; optimal utilisation of existing infrastructure, plant technology upgradation and end-to-end digitisation; market penetration activities of milk and milk products and deployment and capacity building of human resources.
In addition, productivity enhancement through animal breeding, nutrition, health, promoting biogas & dung management and organic farming will be other focused areas.
Chairman, NDDB assured that the Dairy Board will make every effort to strengthen the dairy cooperative sector to promote social and economic prosperity in the rural areas.
Source: The Pioneer