National Dairy Development Board (NDDB)

The National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), located in Anand, Gujarat, is a cornerstone of India's dairy industry. As a significant player in one of the world’s largest milk-producing nations, NDDB has been instrumental in advancing the sector through innovative and sustainable practices.

Significant Events

One of the most transformative events in NDDB's history is the launch of 'Operation Flood' in 1970. This initiative established a national milk grid, connecting rural milk producers with urban consumers and significantly enhancing India’s milk production capabilities. In 2025, NDDB organized the First Indian Cheese Festival at its headquarters, demonstrating its commitment to diversifying and innovating in dairy products.

Company Plans and Initiatives

NDDB is committed to sustainable growth and improving the livelihoods of dairy farmers. Key initiatives include utilizing artificial intelligence to improve livestock quality and boost feed and fodder production. The board is expanding cow dung biogas generation across 250 district dairy cooperatives and plans to establish 10 automated milk processing plants across 18 districts, including setting up 100 testing laboratories in collaboration with the Rajasthan Co-operative Dairy Federation.

In addition, NDDB is mediating a market conflict between Milma and Nandini milk brands and is developing a solar-powered dairy processing plant in Kargil. This plant 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 entity in the Indian dairy market. The organization is led by Shri Meenesh Shah, who is recognized for promoting innovation and data-driven strategies.

Sustainability and Technological Initiatives

NDDB integrates biogas production into rural dairy cooperatives, offering economic and environmental benefits. This includes developing biogas infrastructure, from small digesters to large Bio-CNG plants under the SATAT programme. Collaborating with Suzuki Motor Corporation and Sumul Dairy, NDDB is advancing a biogas plant to convert cattle dung into biofuel.

Digital transformation is a significant focus, with initiatives like the National Digital Livestock Mission (NDLM) featuring the 'Pashu Aadhaar' system, the Automatic Milk Collection System (AMCS), and the Dairy ERP platform (NDERP). In collaboration with ICAR, NDDB aims to increase dairy productivity by addressing stagnant productivity levels and rising feed costs.

Environmental and Regional Projects

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

Committed to developing biodegradable packaging and expanding cooperative networks to prevent milk fraud, NDDB focuses on integrating more milk into the organized sector. It addresses vulnerabilities within informal distribution channels and promotes technological integration at the village level for food safety and economic growth.

NDDB is actively involved 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.

Furthermore, NDDB is establishing a compressed biogas plant in Assam, providing technical and institutional support for converting waste into biogas and organic fertilizer. NDDB is involved in supporting the dairy sector and is a joint venture partner in North East Dairy and Foods Ltd.

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi and the National Dairy Development Board have signed an MoU to establish biogas plants. NDDB is involved in a significant Memorandum of Understanding to construct multiple Compressed Biogas (CBG) plants in Delhi.

Under Dr Shah’s leadership, the NDDB uses cattle dung to produce clean energy, heat, electricity, compressed biogas, organic fertilizers, and carbon credits. The NDDB is involved in managing and expanding Ladakh's dairy sector, providing professional management under a 2022 memorandum with the Union Territory administration. It has expanded milk procurement from 74 farmers in one village to 1,700 farmers in 28 villages.

Meenesh Shah, chairman of NDDB, mentioned initiatives like free vaccination programs and advancements in goat artificial insemination. He highlighted the role of NDDB in India's shift from milk shortages to self-sufficiency and the importance of non-bovine milk for climate resilience and nutrition.

The National Dairy Development Board's chairman, Meenesh Shah, flagged off new vehicles for the Bhopal Milk Union. The board also provided 50% central assistance for a mobile milk-testing laboratory.

Modified: 2026/08/21