National Dairy Development Board (NDDB)

The National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), headquartered in Anand, Gujarat, has significantly shaped the Indian dairy industry. Established with a vision to revolutionize dairy production and consumption in India, NDDB has been instrumental in transforming the nation into the world's largest milk producer.

Significant Events

One of NDDB's landmark achievements was the launch of 'Operation Flood' in 1970. This initiative created a national milk grid, effectively connecting rural milk producers with urban consumers. The success of Operation Flood played a pivotal role in positioning India as a leading global milk producer. Another notable event was the First Indian Cheese Festival hosted at NDDB's Anand headquarters in 2025, underscoring the organization's commitment to innovation and leadership in the dairy sector.

Company Plans and Initiatives

Looking ahead, NDDB is focused on sustainable growth and enhancing the livelihoods of dairy farmers. The board plans to leverage artificial intelligence to improve livestock quality and increase feed and fodder production. Key projects include expanding cow dung biogas generation in 250 district dairy cooperatives and establishing 10 automated milk processing plants across 18 districts. Additionally, NDDB aims to boost milk collection capacity and set up 100 testing laboratories in partnership with the Rajasthan Co-operative Dairy Federation.

NDDB is also mediating a market conflict between Milma and Nandini milk brands, with potential central government intervention to facilitate Nandini's market entry. A significant project involves developing a solar-powered dairy processing plant in Kargil, designed to supply fresh milk to the Indian Army. This initiative involves 1,500 farmers and processes 10,000 liters of milk daily. The board also manages a refurbished facility in Leh and collaborates with the Ladakh UT Dairy Cooperative Federation.

Ownership and Leadership

NDDB owns Mother Dairy, a prominent player in the Indian dairy market. The organization is currently undergoing a leadership transition, which may have strategic implications for the industry. Shri Meenesh Shah, Chairman of NDDB, has been a driving force behind these developments, emphasizing innovation and data-driven planning.

Sustainability and Technological Initiatives

In its pursuit of sustainability, NDDB is integrating biogas production into rural dairy cooperatives, offering both economic and environmental benefits. It supports biogas infrastructure from small household digesters to large Bio-CNG plants under the SATAT programme. In collaboration with Suzuki Motor Corporation and Sumul Dairy, NDDB is developing a biogas plant to convert cattle dung into biofuel.

Regarding digital transformation, NDDB has launched initiatives like the National Digital Livestock Mission (NDLM) with the 'Pashu Aadhaar' system, Automatic Milk Collection System (AMCS), and Dairy ERP platform (NDERP). By working with ICAR, NDDB aims to enhance dairy productivity, addressing challenges such as stagnant productivity levels, rising feed costs, and climate variability. The board is also actively focused on boosting milk production in eastern India, targeting infrastructure development and milk procurement in states like Bihar, Jharkhand, Assam, Manipur, and Tripura.

NDDB's collaboration with the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) aims to address environmental challenges posed by dairy waste and improve the overall water quality of the Yamuna.

Modified: 2026/03/10