The National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) plans to significantly expand Indiaâs dairy cooperative network over the next five years, with Rajasthan set to play a central role. Nearly 8,000 villages in the state will be linked to organised dairy cooperatives, strengthening farmer participation and milk procurement systems.
Speaking at the Rangeelo 2026 dairy and livestock festival in Jobner, NDDB Chairman Meenesh Shah said the initiative aims to improve milk quality, transparency, and farmer incomes. In addition to new village inclusion, NDDB will upgrade infrastructure in around 4,000 existing cooperative villages by installing milk testing and procurement facilities.
As a result, more milk is expected to flow into the organised sector, which currently handles only 35â40% of Indiaâs marketable surplus. This shift is critical, as it ensures better price realisation for farmers and safer dairy products for consumers.
Meanwhile, Rajasthan, the countryâs second-largest milk producer, stands to gain under the White Revolution 2.0 programme. The expansion aligns with the stateâs dairy growth strategy and rural employment goals.
However, NDDB also highlighted sustainability challenges linked to Indiaâs large livestock population. To address methane emissions, the board is promoting biogas generation and scientific manure management. Farmers are being encouraged to adopt small biogas units to generate clean energy and additional income.
Overall, the initiative signals a renewed push towards cooperative-led, sustainable dairy growth, reinforcing NDDBâs long-term vision for rural prosperity and food security.
