National Dairy Development Board (NDDB)

The National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), headquartered in Anand, Gujarat, serves as a fundamental force in India's dairy industry, playing a crucial role in establishing India as the leading milk producer globally. Through its innovative and sustainable dairy development strategies, NDDB has made significant contributions to the sector.

Significant Events

One of NDDB's landmark achievements was the launch of 'Operation Flood' in 1970. This groundbreaking program established a national milk grid, effectively connecting rural milk producers with urban consumers and substantially boosting India's milk production capacity. In 2025, NDDB further demonstrated its dedication to innovation and diversity in dairy products by organizing the First Indian Cheese Festival at its headquarters.

Company Plans and Initiatives

NDDB is committed to sustainable growth and enhancing the livelihoods of dairy farmers across India. Its strategic objectives include utilizing artificial intelligence to improve livestock quality, increasing the production of feed and fodder, and expanding cow dung biogas generation across 250 district dairy cooperatives. Plans are in place to establish 10 automated milk processing plants across 18 districts and to set up 100 testing laboratories in collaboration with the Rajasthan Co-operative Dairy Federation.

Additionally, NDDB is mediating a market conflict between Milma and Nandini milk brands and is developing a solar-powered dairy processing plant in Kargil. This facility will involve 1,500 farmers and process 10,000 liters of milk daily for the Indian Army.

Ownership and Leadership

NDDB owns Mother Dairy, a significant player in the Indian dairy market. The board is led by Shri Meenesh Shah, who is known for advocating innovation and data-driven planning within the organization.

Sustainability and Technological Initiatives

NDDB integrates biogas production into rural dairy cooperatives, offering both economic and environmental benefits. The board supports biogas infrastructure development, from small digesters to large Bio-CNG plants under the SATAT programme. In partnership with Suzuki Motor Corporation and Sumul Dairy, NDDB is advancing a biogas plant to convert cattle dung into biofuel.

Its digital transformation initiatives include the National Digital Livestock Mission (NDLM) with the 'Pashu Aadhaar' system, the Automatic Milk Collection System (AMCS), and the Dairy ERP platform (NDERP). Collaborating with ICAR, NDDB is also focused on increasing dairy productivity by addressing stagnant productivity levels and rising feed costs.

Environmental and Regional Projects

NDDB works with the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to tackle environmental challenges from dairy waste, aiming to enhance the water quality of the Yamuna River. In partnership with the Himachal Pradesh government, NDDB is improving the state's dairy processing capabilities, creating job opportunities for local farmers. In Bihar, NDDB collaborates with the Bihar State Milk Cooperative Federation and ISRO on a green fodder mapping project.

NDDB is actively involved in developing biodegradable packaging and expanding cooperative networks to prevent milk fraud. The organization focuses on integrating more milk into the organized sector, addressing vulnerabilities within informal distribution channels, and promoting technological integration at the village level for food safety and economic growth.

Lastly, NDDB is engaged in a significant tripartite Memorandum of Understanding with Tripura's State Animal Resources Development Department and the Gomati Co-operative Milk Producers' Union Limited to boost the dairy cooperative sector in Tripura, as part of the White Revolution 2.0 initiative.

Modified: 2026/07/03