The Government of India has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the dairy sector through targeted policy measures and sustained investment. In a recent response in the Lok Sabha, the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying outlined the progress made under the National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD) and allied initiatives.
These measures reflect the government’s continued focus on improving infrastructure, raising productivity and enhancing farmer welfare across the dairy value chain.
NPDD Focuses on Modern Infrastructure Development
The National Programme for Dairy Development was first launched in 2014 and later realigned in 2021 to meet emerging sectoral needs. Since then, it has become a cornerstone of India’s dairy development strategy.
Under the programme, priority is given to building and upgrading key infrastructure. This includes village-level milk collection centres, bulk milk cooling units and primary chilling facilities. Additionally, high-quality milk testing equipment is being deployed to ensure improved safety and transparency.
As a result, post-harvest losses are reduced, and milk quality standards improve. Consequently, farmers are better able to integrate into organised procurement systems.
Strengthening Cooperatives and Producer Institutions
Another critical aspect of NPDD is its support for producer-owned institutions. The scheme strengthens milk cooperatives, milk producer companies and state federations.
Through these institutions, farmers gain improved market access and stronger bargaining power. Moreover, value addition opportunities increase through enhanced processing capacity and branding support. This cooperative-led approach ensures that a larger share of profits reaches primary producers.
Training and Technology Improve Farm Productivity
Alongside infrastructure, the programme places strong emphasis on capacity building. Farmers receive structured training in modern dairy practices.
These include animal nutrition, hygienic milk handling, breeding management and efficient farm operations. As a result, milk yields improve, and production costs decline. In turn, farmers benefit from higher and more stable incomes.
Government data presented in Parliament indicate growing adoption of technology and better farm management among scheme beneficiaries.
Allied Schemes Create Synergy Across the Value Chain
In addition to NPDD, the government highlighted the role of complementary schemes. The Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund supports investment in processing, feed production and logistics.
Meanwhile, the Rashtriya Gokul Mission focuses on breed improvement, indigenous cattle conservation and livestock health. Together, these schemes address structural gaps across the dairy ecosystem.
Therefore, productivity gains are supported by better genetics, feed availability and disease control.
Long-Term Vision for Sustainable Dairy Growth
Taken together, these coordinated initiatives reflect a long-term vision for sustainable dairy development. By combining infrastructure investment, institutional strengthening and farmer training, the government aims to build a resilient dairy sector.
Ultimately, these efforts are expected to improve rural livelihoods, stabilise milk supply chains and reinforce India’s position as the world’s leading milk producer. Continued collaboration between the government and the cooperative sector will remain essential to achieving these goals.