Chhattisgarh partners with NDDB to boost dairy sector growth

INDIA – Chhattisgarh is set to embark on a major dairy revolution through a pilot project in partnership with the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) aimed at expanding the sector on a large scale. 

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the state government and NDDB in December 2024, marking the beginning of efforts to accelerate dairy development. 

The state has committed an initial investment of Rs 5 crore to facilitate the smooth implementation of the project, which will initially cover six districts before being expanded further to position Chhattisgarh as a major dairy producer in India.

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai chaired a high-level review meeting at Mahanadi Bhavan in Naya Raipur with officials from the Animal Husbandry Department, where he reiterated the government’s commitment to transforming the state into a leader in dairy production. 

He emphasized that strengthening the sector would not only increase farmers’ income but also boost rural infrastructure and ensure self-sufficiency in milk production. 

According to him, efforts are being directed toward making milk production a profitable and sustainable industry.

A significant portion of Chhattisgarh’s population relies on agriculture, with dairy farming serving as an important secondary source of income. 

Expanding the sector is expected to create employment opportunities, raise rural incomes, and improve the nutritional standards of women and children. 

“Officials should prioritize initiatives that boost per capita milk availability and optimize the utilization of surplus milk along with awareness campaigns to educate farmers and dairy entrepreneurs on adopting modern technologies,” said the Chief Minister.

NDDB Chairman Meenesh Shah presented an overview of the state’s dairy landscape, highlighting that Chhattisgarh currently produces approximately 5.8 million kilograms of milk per day, with significant potential for growth.

 He reported that NDDB has developed a strategic roadmap to accelerate the sector’s development, focusing on strengthening cooperative dairy societies to enhance processing and marketing infrastructure. 

Efforts will also be directed toward improving milk quality testing facilities to maintain high dairy standards, implementing digital payment systems to facilitate instant transactions for farmers, and promoting sustainable practices such as biogas and biofertilizer production to create additional income streams.

The state government has expressed confidence that these initiatives will contribute to long-term dairy sector growth and economic development. 

“Expanding dairy production will not only improve farmers’ livelihoods but also enhance nutritional security for the people of Chhattisgarh,” an official from the Animal Husbandry Department stated.

The review meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Amitabh Jain, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Subodh Singh, and senior officials from the Agricultural Production and Animal Husbandry departments