Assam Boosts Dairy and Organic Sectors with Strategic MoUs
In a landmark development for Assam's dairy industry, two crucial Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed during the Advantage Assam 2.0 event, held recently. These agreements mark a major leap forward in advancing the region's dairy and organic farming sectors.
The first MoU, formalized between the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) and West Assam Milk Producers’ Cooperative Union Limited (WAMUL) on February 26, aims to double the milk processing capacity at Purabi Dairy's Panjabari plant in Guwahati. With an investment of approximately Rs 100 crore, the expansion project will increase the plant's capacity from 1.5 lakh liters per day (LLPD) to 3 LLPD, meeting the surging consumer demand for quality dairy products.
Additionally, this ambitious expansion will elevate the production of fermented milk products from 20 metric tons per day (MTPD) to 50 MTPD and establish a new ice cream plant with a capacity of 20 TLPD. Alongside enhancing the supply chain, these expansions promise better returns for farmers by diversifying into value-added dairy products.
The agreement was signed in the presence of prominent figures, including Jogen Mohan, Minister of Cooperation, and Pijush Hazarika, Minister of Water Resources, with V Sridhar, Senior General Manager of NDDB, and SK Parida, Managing Director of WAMUL as the signatories. Their collective efforts are set to significantly propel Assam's dairy development, ultimately benefiting local farmers through improved infrastructure and opportunities.
In a parallel initiative, a transformative MoU was signed by National Cooperative Organics Limited (NCOL) and North East Dairy and Foods Limited (NEDFL) to establish an Organic Demo Farm cum Food Innovation Hub in Assam. This venture is designed to serve as a processing center for organic materials, thereby adding value and ensuring better marketability for farmers across the Northeast. It will host a demonstration farm to promote best practices, innovative techniques, and economic viability in organic farming.
Over the next two years, the project aims to train at least 1,000 farmers in organic farming techniques, develop market-ready organic products, and facilitate large-scale commercialization. Backed by the Ministry of Cooperation, Govt. of India, the initiative boasts NDDB as the chief promoter, supported by several key cooperative organizations, including Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd. (GCMMF) and National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd. (NAFED).
These strategic initiatives underscore the government's commitment to strengthening the rural economy and offering sustainable livelihood opportunities. With the enhancement of local economies by leveraging Assam's rich agricultural and dairy potential, farmers are poised to benefit from increased productivity and market linkages. The Organic Demo Farm cum Food Innovation Hub will equip farmers with essential training and infrastructure to advance organic farming, while the expansion of Purabi Dairy holds promise for significantly strengthening the region's dairy industry.
