NCDFI, Indian Army strengthen dairy-defence partnership to boost local milk supply chains

INDIA – The National Cooperative Dairy Federation of India Ltd (NCDFI) and the Indian Army have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in local milk procurement, processing and cold-chain management through India’s dairy cooperative network.

The partnership aims to improve the availability of quality milk and dairy products for Defence establishments while creating stronger markets and livelihood opportunities for dairy farmers, particularly in border and remote regions.

Speaking at the Cooperative Conclave on Dairy-Defence Partnership in Anand, Gujarat, Meenesh Shah, Chairman of NCDFI and also Chairman of the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), highlighted the importance of the long-standing cooperation between dairy cooperatives and the Defence sector.

Shah said the partnership benefits all stakeholders by providing Defence establishments with dependable supplies and resilient local supply chains, while giving dairy cooperatives assured institutional markets and better utilisation of their infrastructure.

For dairy farmers, the partnership provides access to wider markets and a more regular source of income.

The conclave highlighted the contribution of dairy cooperatives in supplying milk and dairy products to Defence establishments, particularly in remote, border and high-altitude areas.

Shah commended cooperatives for strengthening milk procurement, processing, cold storage, and supply chain infrastructure across the border and North-Eastern regions.

He also emphasised the broader connection between dairy farmers and personnel serving in difficult and strategically important areas.

Lt General Mukesh Chadha, Director General of Supplies and Transport (DGST), Indian Army, appreciated NCDFI and its member cooperatives for maintaining reliable supplies to troops operating in challenging terrains.

He also recognised NDDB’s efforts to organise and strengthen dairy cooperatives in border areas, helping support local milk production.

According to Lt Gen Chadha, expanding dairy cooperative networks in these regions could create sustainable markets, local employment and livelihood opportunities while potentially contributing to reverse migration.

The Indian Army also highlighted the potential to increase the supply of fresh milk to Defence establishments.

Lt Gen Chadha called for closer coordination between the Army and NCDFI to assess milk requirements and develop suitable local procurement and processing capacities.

At the same time, he stressed the importance of maintaining adequate long-life milk processing capacity wherever operational requirements make it necessary.

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