In a significant development, the Manipur government has signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to transfer operations of Manipur Milk Producers’ Cooperative Union Ltd to the centrally-run National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) with an aim to strengthen the dairy industry and milk production in the state.
Chief minister N Biren Singh took to X highlighting the importance of enhancing dairy production in the state on January 31. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed at the CM’s Secretariat in Imphal.
“Delighted to sign a tripartite MoU at my secretariat, formalizing the transfer of the Manipur Milk Producers’ Co-operative Union Ltd to the National Dairy Development Board, Government of India,” the CM said.
He said: “This MoU paves the way for a systematic reorganization of dairy co-operative societies, enabling professional management and structural reforms in the Manipur Milk Union.”
In the MoU, secretary (Veterinary & A.H) Michael Achom represented the Government of Manipur, while NDDB and Manipur Milk Producers’ Co-operative Union Ltd. were represented by chairman, NDDB Meenesh Shah and member, board of administration Pukhrambam Sobhachandra Singh respectively.
Speaking on the occasion, N Biren Singh stated the signing of the MoU was a long-awaited development and expressed happiness on it. Mentioning the importance of milk in the human diet, he stated that Manipur has more requirement of milk than its current production.
In a state like Manipur, which has produced 19 Olympians and many other successful sport players, milk is an excellent supplement since many players are not financially able to afford more expensive diets, he added.
The chief minister thanked the members of the Manipur Milk Producers’ Co-operative Union Ltd. for agreeing to hand over the management to NDDB and expressed hopefulness that the production of milk in the state would increase, thereafter.
He stressed the need to develop grazing grounds in various areas. He asked the chairman of NDDB to submit a proposal for suitable sites for the same, after consultation with concerned farmers of villages. He assured to extend full cooperation and support to NDDB in their initiatives to increase milk production in the state.
Chairman, NDDB Meenesh Shah, while delivering the keynote address, spoke on the operation flood which had transformed India from a milk-deficient nation into world largest milk producer. He informed that India’s current milk production is over 239 million metric tons, which is 24 percent share of the world’s production.
Milk production contributes 4 to 5 percent of our Gross Domestic Product, he said, stressing the need for the rural areas to join the mainstream economy for achieving the dream of Viksit Bharat.
He continued that the NDDB had a clear-cut focus on Northeast states. He maintained 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.
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