Jaipur: In a major push to strengthen India's dairy sector, the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) has unveiled an ambitious plan to expand the dairy cooperative movement to 75,000 villages across the country over the next five years. This initiative includes nearly 8,000 villages in Rajasthan, as announced by NDDB chairman Meenesh Shah on Friday.
Strengthening Rural Infrastructure and Quality
Addressing farmers and stakeholders at the inauguration of 'Rangeelo 2026', a two-day dairy and livestock festival organized by NDDB and its wholly owned arm, NDDB Dairy Services, Shah emphasized that this expansion would significantly deepen the cooperative network in rural India. The event was held at Sri Karan Narendra Agriculture University (SKNAU) in Jobner.
"In addition to bringing new villages under dairy cooperatives, we will also strengthen infrastructure in 4,000 existing villages, including milk testing facilities and other essential systems," Shah stated, highlighting the focus on quality enhancement and transparency in procurement. The program was inaugurated by Rajasthan's Minister of State for Home, Gopalan, Animal Husbandry and Dairy, and Fisheries, Jawahar Singh Bedam.
India's Dairy Transformation and Current Challenges
Shah recounted India's remarkable journey from a milk-deficit nation dependent on imports to becoming the world's largest milk producer under NDDB's leadership. "From 15-20 million metric tonnes annually a few decades ago, India today produces nearly 250 million metric tonnes of milk, accounting for about 25% of global production," he noted. He added that nearly 8 crore farmers are engaged in dairying, making it one of the largest livelihood sectors in the country.
Beyond income generation, the sector plays a critical nutritional role, particularly for India's large lacto-vegetarian population that depends on milk as a primary source of protein. However, Shah cautioned that only 35%-40% of the country's marketable surplus milk currently flows through the organized sector, with nearly 60% remaining in the unorganized segment.
"Bringing more milk into the organized sector is essential to ensure quality products for consumers and better returns for farmers," he asserted.
White Revolution 2.0 and Rajasthan's Role
Referring to the launch of White Revolution 2.0, Shah pointed out that Rajasthan, as the country's second-largest milk-producing state, stands to benefit significantly from this expansion. With 8,000 additional villages set to be integrated into the cooperative framework, the state is poised for enhanced dairy development.
Sustainability Initiatives and Environmental Focus
On sustainability, Shah addressed the environmental challenges posed by India's vast livestock population, particularly methane emissions. NDDB has initiated programs promoting biogas generation and scientific manure management. He urged farmers to adopt small biogas plants or develop dung-based value chains to generate clean energy and additional income, thereby contributing to a greener economy.
Rangeelo 2026: A Platform for Innovation and Exchange
Themed 'Colors of Rural Prosperity with Animals', Rangeelo 2026 aims to create a common platform for farmers, experts, cooperative leaders, and policymakers to exchange ideas and explore scientific advancements in dairy and animal husbandry. The festival showcases:
- Indigenous cattle breeds such as Gir, Sahiwal, Tharparkar, Rathi, Haryana, Kankrej, Punganur, and Nagori.
- Buffalo breeds including Murrah, Nili-Ravi, and Jaffarabadi.
Live demonstrations of advanced dairy technologies, milk competitions, technical sessions, policy dialogues, and cultural performances form part of the two-day event. With participation from farmers, dairy unions, agri-entrepreneurs, researchers, and students, the festival reflects Rajasthan's vibrant rural economy while outlining an ambitious roadmap for the next phase of cooperative-led dairy growth.
This comprehensive expansion plan underscores NDDB's commitment to enhancing rural livelihoods, ensuring milk quality, and promoting sustainable practices in India's dairy sector, setting the stage for continued growth and innovation in the years to come.
