INDIA – The Government of Assam has agreed to pass on the managerial responsibilities of East Assam Milk Producers’ Cooperative Union Limited to the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB).

The memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed seeks to enhance daily milk production to over a million liters in the state.

Sarma expressed hope that the agreement would improve the financials of the ailing cooperative body, just like what happened in the case of Purabi Dairy.

The chief minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma said: “Just as handing over the management of Purabi Dairy to NDDB in 2008 saved the cooperative body from near collapse, I am certain that today’s decision too would prove decisive in bringing a hugely positive development in the fortunes of the milk producers’ union of eastern Assam.”

The chief minister was confident that changes in the dairy sector are going to be witnessed in the region, driving up milk production.

Additionally, he said significant measures are in place to bring about a “White Revolution” that will increase the number of Gir breed of cows to 15,000 from the previous number brought from Gujarat.

Also, the measures will help in the extensive use of artificial insemination methods so that the state can have the best milking cows and increase the milk supply to the cooperative.

The white revolution will further strengthen the cooperative’s milk production environment by providing the dairy farmers with avenues to diversify their markets through initiatives and have better bargaining power.

The chief minister referred to the overall daily low milk production of just about 1 lakh liters in the state in comparison to states such as Gujarat and Karnataka with 2 crore liters and 80 lakhs respectively.

Himanta Sarma also inaugurated a cattle feed manufacturing facility of Purabi Dairy during the conclave and entrusted NDDB chairman Meenesh Shah with the responsibility of dairy development in the state.

The change of management at East Assam comes at a time when the Indian dairy market size, which is valued at INR 11356.6 billion in 2020, is forecasted to grow at a CAGR of around 15.4% 26,282.2 INR billion, according to Expert Market Research for the period 2022-2027.

The growth is driven by the rising disposable income of the consumers, fueled by the developing economy, good government policies, and increasing population which translates to a ready market for the products.

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