ICAR and NDDB Partner to Enhance India's Dairy Research
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) formalized their collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on January 12, 2026. The partnership is set to enhance India's dairy research landscape by integrating laboratory findings with on-farm practices across the nation.
The agreement leverages ICAR's extensive network of research institutes and scientific expertise alongside NDDB's experience in dairy development and cooperative building. Together, they plan to cover the entire dairy value chain, from breeding and fodder systems to milk processing and market-driven value addition.
A primary goal of the MoU is to ensure that innovations are tested in actual farm conditions before widespread implementation. This approach is intended to reduce the time between research breakthroughs and their adoption by farmers.
The collaboration also aims to tackle challenges such as stagnant productivity in some regions, rising feed costs, and climate variability. By pursuing multidisciplinary research and coordinated extension strategies, ICAR and NDDB hope to provide practical solutions tailored to local needs.
Joint training programs will be organized for dairy farmers, researchers, and field professionals to enhance technical skills and awareness. These programs will focus on translating research outputs into field practices to improve milk yields, animal health, and farm profitability.
Both ICAR and NDDB leaders view the MoU as a long-term investment in India's rural economy. It emphasizes the importance of integrated farming systems, fodder security, and sustainable practices like gaushala-based manure management.
Capacity building is another focus, with joint workshops and specialized training for scientists, extension officers, and farmers. The partnership aims to standardize best practices and improve efficiency, supporting India’s status as a leading milk producer while enhancing sustainability.
