Arunachal Pradesh Partners with NDDB for Dairy Sector Expansion

Arunachal Pradesh is embarking on a significant expansion of its dairy sector, supported by the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB). This initiative was discussed during a regional animal husbandry and fisheries meeting in Mizoram, where officials from Arunachal Pradesh and representatives from NDDB explored strategies to enhance dairy-based livelihoods and improve milk supply systems.

A key issue identified was the high cost of transporting High Genetic Merit cattle into Arunachal Pradesh from other states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Andhra Pradesh. To address this, NDDB committed to discussing transportation cost reductions with Indian Railways. Additionally, NDDB will provide free doses of sex-sorted semen and technical support to improve conception success rates in breeding programs.

Infrastructure development was highlighted as a major priority. NDDB is preparing Detailed Project Reports for two new dairy plants, modernizing two existing facilities, and establishing Dairy Cooperative Societies and Milk Unions. Bulk Milk Coolers will also be installed to enhance the state’s milk collection and processing network. These efforts aim to secure funding through India’s White Revolution 2.0 programme.

Planned investments include refurbishments at the Pasighat and Karsingsa dairy plants and new facilities in Namsai and Warjong. Authorities also discussed establishing a 200-cow milch herd centre in West Kameng district to support milk supply to the Tawang region. The plan includes developing fodder farms and implementing a state fodder strategy in partnership with the Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute.

Recognizing the state's unique terrain and climatic conditions, NDDB proposed adapting the Ladakh dairy development model, which involves smaller herd sizes and broader farmer participation. The organization also plans to support small-scale biogas projects under the ANAND cooperative framework to promote sustainable dairy farming.

A formal memorandum of understanding is expected to be signed next month, with NDDB officials scheduled to visit Arunachal Pradesh to finalize project timelines and assess on-ground conditions.