In a major development for India’s dairy cooperative sector, the National Cooperative Dairy Federation of India (NCDFI) and Assam Rifles have signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) in New Delhi to strengthen the supply of milk and dairy products through the country’s cooperative dairy network.
The partnership aims to improve organised dairy distribution and ensure a reliable supply of quality milk and dairy products to Assam Rifles units, especially across the North Eastern region of India.
The MoA was exchanged between Brig Sachinder Tiwari, SM, Brigadier (Administration), Directorate General Assam Rifles, and Shri Srinivas Sajja, Managing Director, NCDFI. The signing ceremony was held in the presence of Lt Gen Vikas Lakhera, AVSM, SM, Director General, Assam Rifles, and Dr Meenesh Shah, Chairman, NCDFI and National Dairy Development Board (NDDB).
Assured Market Access for Dairy Cooperatives
Under the agreement, Assam Rifles will benefit from a dependable institutional dairy supply chain, while cooperative dairies and their farmer members will gain assured market opportunities for milk and value-added dairy products.
The collaboration also highlights the growing role of India’s dairy cooperatives in supporting national institutions through organised procurement and distribution systems. Industry observers believe the initiative could further strengthen dairy market growth and improve supply chain efficiency in strategically important regions.
Focus on Farmer Welfare and Cooperative-Led Growth
NCDFI stated that the partnership aligns with its continued focus on farmer welfare, self-reliance and cooperative-led growth. By leveraging the strength of India’s dairy cooperative ecosystem, the federation aims to support institutional nutrition requirements while creating sustainable market access for milk producers.
The agreement reflects the increasing importance of institutional procurement within the Indian dairy industry, particularly as organised dairy consumption expands across defence, government and public sector establishments.
Strengthening Dairy Logistics in North East India
With the North Eastern region receiving greater attention for food logistics and agricultural supply chains, the initiative is expected to improve the availability of quality milk and value-added dairy products for Assam Rifles personnel stationed in remote and strategically sensitive locations.
The MoA further reinforces the contribution of India’s dairy cooperative movement towards strengthening rural livelihoods, supporting dairy farmers and enhancing national food security through cooperative-driven growth.