PDPS Calls for NDDB Takeover of Ongole Dairy to Support Farmers

The Prakasam Dairy Parirakshana Samithi (PDPS) has appealed to the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) to assume control of the Prakasam Milk Producer Company Ltd., also known as Ongole Dairy, to protect the interests of local milk producers. On May 25, 2026, PDPS members submitted their representation to Lanka Dinakar, Chairman of the 20-Point Programme, in Ongole.

The dairy, which was established in 1976 as the Prakasam District Milk Producer’s Mutually Aided Cooperative Union Ltd., has been instrumental in providing a stable market and income source for small-scale farmers, landless laborers, and socially and economically disadvantaged groups. However, it is currently shut down due to financial and operational issues.

The dairy owns 109 acres of land across various locations, including Ongole, Kondamanjuluru, Kanigiri, Cumbum, Yerragondapalem, and Darsi. It also has milk chilling units and a milk powder unit in Ongole, which have not been operational for some time due to the crisis.

In 2005, the NDDB took over the management of the dairy, significantly improving milk procurement and making the milk powder unit operational again. The products were marketed under the Mother Dairy brand, benefiting local milk producers. The dairy was reconstituted as Prakasam Milk Producer Company in 2013 but has since faced severe challenges.

PDPS members highlighted the alarming levels of milk adulteration in the district and stressed the need for NDDB's intervention to ensure the supply of pure milk and secure livelihoods. They recalled a promise by IT Minister Nara Lokesh to reopen the dairy during his ‘Yuvagalam Padayatra’.

After reviewing the representation, Mr. Dinakar responded positively, indicating his willingness to facilitate the NDDB's takeover of the dairy to protect rural livelihoods.