National Dairy Development Board (NDDB)

The National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), based in Anand, Gujarat, is a cornerstone of the Indian dairy industry. With India being the leading milk producer globally, NDDB plays a crucial role in advancing the sector through innovative and sustainable practices.

Significant Events

One of NDDB's landmark achievements was the launch of 'Operation Flood' in 1970. This revolutionary program established a national milk grid, connecting rural milk producers with urban consumers, significantly increasing India's milk production capacity.

In 2025, NDDB organized the First Indian Cheese Festival at its headquarters, showcasing its commitment to innovation and diversity in dairy products.

Company Plans and Initiatives

NDDB aims for sustainable growth and the enhancement of dairy farmers' livelihoods across the country. Key initiatives include the use of 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, along with 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, which 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 board is led by Shri Meenesh Shah, recognized for promoting innovation and data-driven strategies.

Sustainability and Technological Initiatives

NDDB integrates biogas production into rural dairy cooperatives, supporting economic and environmental benefits. It is involved in biogas infrastructure development, 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.

The board's 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). In collaboration with ICAR, NDDB is focused on increasing 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 water quality of the Yamuna River. In collaboration 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.

Modified: 2026/07/07