National Dairy Development Board

Mansinh Institute of Training, National Dairy Development Board, Mehsana, Gujarat, India

National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) is an institution of national importance set up by an Act of Parliament of India. The main office is in Anand, Gujarat. It was founded in 1965, with the primary goal to promote, finance, and support producer-owned and controlled organizations. NDDB's programs and activities seek to strengthen farmer cooperatives and support national policies that are favorable to the growth of such institutions. Fundamental to NDDB's efforts are cooperative principles and equitable growth.

History

The inception of NDDB dates back to 1965, following the success of the Operation Flood program, which was the world's biggest dairy development program. Spearheaded by Dr. Verghese Kurien, known as the father of the White Revolution in India, Operation Flood transformed India from a milk-deficient nation into the world's largest milk producer. This remarkable transformation was achieved through the development of a nationwide milk grid that linked milk producers throughout India with consumers in over 700 towns and cities, reducing seasonal and regional price variations while ensuring that the producer received a major share of the consumer's rupee.

Mission and Vision

The mission of NDDB is to promote, finance, and support producer-owned and controlled organizations. NDDB's vision is to bring about socio-economic development through the promotion of dairy and other agriculture and allied industries and to provide rural India with greater employment opportunities.

Activities

NDDB undertakes a variety of activities to fulfill its mission:

• Dairy Development: NDDB promotes dairy activities that include breed improvement, milk procurement, processing, and marketing.
• Quality Assurance: It ensures the quality of milk and milk products through stringent quality control measures and the promotion of food safety and quality management systems.
• Research and Development: NDDB conducts research in animal health and nutrition, fodder development, and dairy technology.
• Training and Capacity Building: It offers training programs to dairy cooperative personnel and farmers to enhance their skills and knowledge in dairy farming, management, and operations.
• Rural Development: NDDB also engages in rural development initiatives, including animal health care, nutrition, and breeding services, aiming to improve the livelihoods of rural communities.

Impact

The impact of NDDB's initiatives has been profound. It has not only contributed to making India the largest milk producer in the world but has also played a significant role in improving the socio-economic status of millions of rural households. By empowering farmers through cooperatives, NDDB has enabled them to gain control over the resources they produce, make collective decisions, and access markets more effectively.

Challenges and Future Directions

Despite its successes, NDDB faces challenges such as climate change, increasing demand for milk and milk products, and the need for sustainable practices. The board continues to innovate and adapt its strategies to meet these challenges, focusing on sustainable dairy development, enhancing farmer incomes, and ensuring food security.

See Also

• Operation Flood
• Verghese Kurien
• Dairy farming in India
• Cooperative

National Dairy Development Board Resources
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