Agartala, June 24: In a significant step towards achieving self-sufficiency in milk production and strengthening the dairy sector, Tripura’s Animal Resource Development Department (ARDD) has signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Dairy Development Board (NDDDB).
The agreement was signed in the presence of Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha, who described this initiative as transformative. The aim is to increase milk production across the state, enhance cooperative infrastructure, and create better market opportunities for dairy producers.
Currently, Tripura produces approximately 263,000 metric tons of milk annually, equivalent to about 720,000 liters per day. Saha expressed confidence that this agreement would modernize the state’s dairy cooperative sector, leading to increased milk production and greater self-reliance.
A senior official noted that the collaboration between the state government, NDDDB, and Gomati Cooperative Milk Producers Union Limited (GCMPUL) would help establish a robust and sustainable dairy ecosystem, benefiting thousands of farmers and rural families.
Emphasizing the need for change in the dairy sector, Saha stated that Tripura should actively participate in the country’s dairy-based “White Revolution.” He highlighted the importance of increasing milk production, strengthening infrastructure, and enhancing farmers’ incomes.
The MoU aims to implement the “Comprehensive Cooperative Dairy Development Plan” (CCDDP) in line with the national vision of “White Revolution 2.0.” The partnership’s goals include strengthening cooperatives, boosting productivity, modernizing infrastructure, promoting digitalization, and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities.
Saha mentioned that milk production in Tripura is growing at an annual rate of approximately 6.5%, with per capita availability reaching 173 grams per day, the highest in the northeastern states. However, he noted that only a small portion of this production reaches organized processing networks.
He stated that the state’s dairy plants have the capacity to process 40,000 liters of milk daily, but this capacity is not fully utilized. An increase in milk procurement would aid in the expansion of value-added products like paneer, yogurt, ghee, lassi, ice cream, and sweets, creating additional income opportunities.
NDDDB Chairman Meenesh Shah presented a roadmap for cooperative dairy development in Tripura, focusing on productivity, infrastructure, and market access. Under the agreement, the state government will provide policy support, GCMPUL will act as the nodal agency, and NDDDB will assist with technical expertise, capacity building, and market development. The event was attended by Animal Resource Development Minister Sudhanshu Das, Cooperation Minister Shukla Charan Noatia, senior officials, and representatives from the dairy sector.
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S.C.H.
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