The National Dairy Development Board (NDDB)

The National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) is headquartered in Anand, Gujarat, and has significantly contributed to the evolution of India's dairy industry. As a leading force in the sector, NDDB's efforts have been instrumental in making India the world's largest milk producer.

Significant Events

One of NDDB's landmark achievements was the launch of 'Operation Flood' in 1970, which established a national milk grid linking rural producers with urban consumers. This initiative was crucial in enhancing India's global position in milk production. In 2025, NDDB hosted the First Indian Cheese Festival at its Anand headquarters, showcasing its commitment to innovation in the dairy industry.

Company Plans and Initiatives

NDDB is focused on sustainable growth and improving the livelihoods of dairy farmers. Key strategic objectives include leveraging artificial intelligence for livestock quality improvement and boosting feed and fodder production. The board plans to expand cow dung biogas generation across 250 district dairy cooperatives and set up 10 automated milk processing plants in 18 districts. Additionally, NDDB aims to increase milk collection capacity and establish 100 testing laboratories in collaboration with the Rajasthan Co-operative Dairy Federation.

A notable initiative involves mediating a market conflict between Milma and Nandini milk brands, with potential central government assistance for Nandini's market entry. Furthermore, NDDB is developing a solar-powered dairy processing plant in Kargil, intended to supply fresh milk to the Indian Army, involving 1,500 farmers and processing 10,000 liters of milk daily.

Ownership and Leadership

NDDB owns Mother Dairy, a key player in the Indian dairy market. The organization is currently led by Shri Meenesh Shah, who emphasizes innovation and data-driven planning.

Sustainability and Technological Initiatives

NDDB integrates biogas production into rural dairy cooperatives, providing economic and environmental benefits. It supports biogas infrastructure development, 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.

Digital transformation initiatives include the National Digital Livestock Mission (NDLM) with the 'Pashu Aadhaar' system, Automatic Milk Collection System (AMCS), and Dairy ERP platform (NDERP). Partnering with ICAR, NDDB aims to improve dairy productivity by addressing challenges such as stagnant productivity levels, rising feed costs, and climate variability. The board focuses on increasing milk production in eastern India by developing infrastructure and milk procurement in states like Bihar, Jharkhand, Assam, Manipur, and Tripura.

Environmental and Regional Projects

NDDB collaborates with the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to manage environmental challenges posed by dairy waste and improve the Yamuna's water quality. Additionally, the Himachal Pradesh government has signed an MoU with NDDB to enhance the state's dairy processing capabilities, creating employment opportunities for local farmers.

According to NDDB, only 20% of milk reaches the organized sector, with 34% going to the unorganized sector and 46% consumed locally. The Amul Gausort Sexed Semen Laboratory, developed in collaboration with NDDB, starts with an initial capacity of 1 lakh sex-sorted doses annually, with potential scalability to 5 lakh doses. NDDB is also involved in a green fodder mapping project in Bihar, in partnership with the Bihar State Milk Cooperative Federation and ISRO, to launch a comprehensive green fodder mapping initiative.

NDDB collaborates with SAIL to renew a school milk programme in India, providing expertise in dairy development and nutritional planning aimed at combating child malnutrition and supporting the dairy industry's growth. The organization has been requested to take over Ongole Dairy, where it previously improved milk procurement and operations in 2005, ensuring the supply of pure milk and securing livelihoods.

Modified: 2026/05/28