NCDFI and Assam Rifles Enhance Milk Supply through Cooperative Agreement
The National Cooperative Dairy Federation of India Ltd (NCDFI) and Assam Rifles formalized a new agreement to strengthen milk and dairy product supply through cooperatives. This Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) was signed in New Delhi, witnessed by Lt Gen Vikas Lakhera, Director General of Assam Rifles, and NCDFI Chairman, Meenesh Shah.
The collaboration builds on prior successful supply arrangements where dairy cooperatives provided products such as UHT milk, whole milk powder, and fresh milk to Assam Rifles. The current agreement expands the variety of products, now including malt-based food and cheese supplied by Amul, and fresh milk and butter from dairy unions in Assam, Nagaland, West Bengal, and Rajasthan.
The supplies primarily cater to Assam Rifles units across North Eastern states, with additional offices in Kolkata and New Delhi. Lt Gen Vikas Lakhera emphasized the importance of timely and quality supplies for personnel welfare, especially in the North Eastern regions. He highlighted the dual purpose of this initiative: ensuring reliable supplies and supporting regional dairy farmers.
NCDFI Chairman Meenesh Shah expressed pride in the association with Assam Rifles, noting it as a continuation of the federation's long-standing collaboration with national defense and paramilitary forces. He pointed out NCDFI's four-decade history of supplying the Indian Army and Indo-Tibetan Border Police, reinforcing the capability of cooperatives to meet the needs of such forces.
The MoA aims to enhance market opportunities for dairy cooperatives and their farmer members, particularly in the North East. It encourages broader participation from dairy cooperatives nationwide, fostering dairy development and supporting farmer welfare.
Shah noted, "Such initiatives reflect the capability of dairy cooperatives to efficiently serve the requirements of Defence and paramilitary forces while also creating assured market opportunities for cooperative dairies and their farmer members, particularly in the North Eastern states."
