National Dairy Development Board (NDDB)

The National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), based in Anand, Gujarat, has been instrumental in transforming the Indian dairy sector. Established with the goal of boosting dairy production and consumption in India, NDDB has been pivotal in establishing India as the world's largest milk producer.

Significant Events

One of NDDB's most notable achievements is the launch of 'Operation Flood' in 1970. This initiative effectively linked rural milk producers with urban consumers via a national milk grid, significantly contributing to India's emergence as a leading milk producer globally. In 2025, NDDB organized the First Indian Cheese Festival at its Anand headquarters, underscoring its dedication to innovation and leadership in the dairy industry.

Company Plans and Initiatives

Looking ahead, NDDB is focusing on sustainable growth and improving the livelihoods of dairy farmers. The board aims to utilize artificial intelligence to enhance livestock quality and boost 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. NDDB also plans to increase milk collection capacity and set up 100 testing laboratories in partnership with the Rajasthan Co-operative Dairy Federation.

In addition, NDDB is mediating a market conflict between Milma and Nandini milk brands, with potential central government intervention to aid 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, involving 1,500 farmers and processing 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 entity in the Indian dairy market. The organization is currently experiencing a leadership transition that may have strategic implications for the industry. Shri Meenesh Shah, Chairman of NDDB, emphasizes innovation and data-driven planning.

Sustainability and Technological Initiatives

NDDB is integrating biogas production into rural dairy cooperatives, offering economic and environmental benefits. It supports biogas infrastructure ranging 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.

In terms of digital transformation, NDDB has launched initiatives such as the National Digital Livestock Mission (NDLM) with the 'Pashu Aadhaar' system, Automatic Milk Collection System (AMCS), and Dairy ERP platform (NDERP). By partnering with ICAR, NDDB aims to improve dairy productivity, addressing challenges like stagnant productivity levels, rising feed costs, and climate variability. The board is also focused on increasing 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. Moreover, the Himachal Pradesh government has finalized an agreement with NDDB to advance the state's dairy industry. This Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed in Shimla, focuses on enhancing milk processing capabilities and creating employment opportunities for local farmers.

Milk Distribution

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 the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), has an initial capacity of 1 lakh sex-sorted doses annually, scalable to 5 lakh doses.

Modified: 2026/03/24