MoU seals transfer of milk management
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR

Imphal, January 31 2025: A tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on Friday, between Veterinary & Animal Husbandry Department, National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), and Manipur Milk Producers' Co-operative Union Limited, at the chief minister's secretariat in presence of chief minister N Biren Singh and Veterinary & Animal Husbandry minister Khashim Vashum.

The MoU was signed to transfer the management of Manipur Milk Producers' Cooperative Union Limited to NDDB.

Secretary (V&AH) Michael Achom represented the state government, while NDDB was represented by its chairman Dr Meenesh Shah and Manipur Milk Producers' Co-operative Union Ltd by its Board of Administration member Pukhrambam Sobhachandra.

Speaking on the occasion, CM Biren confided that the signing of the MoU was a long-awaited development and expressed happiness on it.

Highlighting the importance of milk in human diet, he stated that the state has more requirement of milk than its current production.

In a state like Manipur, which has produced 19 Olympians and many other successful sports persons, milk is an excellent supplement since many players are not able to afford expensive diets, he added.

The CM thanked the members of the Manipur Milk Producers' Co-operative Union Ltd for agreeing to hand over the management to NDDB and expressed hope that the production of milk in the state would increase, thereafter.

He stressed the need to develop grazing grounds in various areas and asked the NDDB chairman to submit a proposal for suitable sites for the same, after consulting with farmers of villages concerned.

He assured to extend full cooperation and support to NDDB in their initiatives to increase milk production in the state.

Dr Meenesh Shah spoke on the 'operation flood' which had transformed India from a milk-deficient nation to world's largest milk producer.

He informed that India's current milk production is over 239 million metric tonnes, which is 24 per cent share of the world's production.

Milk production contributes 4 to 5 per cent of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP), he said, stressing the need for the rural areas to join the mainstream economy for achieving the dream of Viksit Bharat.

Dr Meenesh continued that the NDDB has a clear-cut focus on the North eastern states and said that the Board has no intention of any business activities, but would take a purely developmental role in increasing the milk production of the state.

The MoU signing programme was also attended by agriculture minister Th Biswajit, works minister Govindas Konthoujam, CAF&PD minister L Susindro, MLAs Sapam Kunjakeswor, Khongbantabam Ibomcha, Thongam Shanti, representatives of NDDB and Manipur Milk Producers' Co-operative Union Ltd, and senior government officials among others.

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