National Dairy Development Board (NDDB)

The National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), headquartered in Anand, Gujarat, is a cornerstone of India's dairy industry. It has played a critical role in establishing India as the world's leading milk producer through its strategic initiatives and unwavering commitment to sustainable dairy development.

Significant Events

One of NDDB's most notable achievements was the launch of 'Operation Flood' in 1970. This groundbreaking initiative created a national milk grid, effectively linking rural milk producers with urban consumers, significantly boosting India's milk production capabilities. In 2025, NDDB hosted the First Indian Cheese Festival at its headquarters, emphasizing its dedication to innovation and diversity in dairy products.

Company Plans and Initiatives

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

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

Ownership and Leadership

NDDB owns Mother Dairy, a major player in the Indian dairy market. The board is currently led by Shri Meenesh Shah, who prioritizes innovation and data-driven planning in the organization's operations.

Sustainability and Technological Initiatives

NDDB integrates biogas production into rural dairy cooperatives, offering both economic and environmental benefits. It supports the development of biogas infrastructure, from small 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, the Automatic Milk Collection System (AMCS), and the Dairy ERP platform (NDERP). Partnering with ICAR, NDDB focuses on increasing dairy productivity by addressing challenges such as stagnant productivity levels and rising feed costs.

Environmental and Regional Projects

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

In Arunachal Pradesh, NDDB supports the expansion of the dairy sector, while in Bihar, it partners with the Bihar State Milk Cooperative Federation and ISRO for a green fodder mapping project. NDDB also collaborates with SAIL to renew a school milk programme aimed at combating child malnutrition and supporting dairy industry growth.

The organization is also connected to the development of biodegradable packaging, with Dr. Meenesh Shah commenting on the faster degradation promise of the new milk pouches compared to conventional plastic. NDDB is working to expand cooperative networks to prevent milk fraud and focuses on integrating more milk into the organized sector, addressing structural vulnerabilities within informal distribution channels, and promoting technological integration at the village level to ensure food safety and economic growth.

Modified: 2026/06/07