AIZAWL : The National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) has assured major technical and infrastructure support to Arunachal Pradesh for strengthening and modernising the State’s dairy sector following a high-level meeting held on the sidelines of the Regional Meeting of the Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Department in Aizawl.
The meeting was led by AHV&DD Secretary Gabriel D. Wangsu on behalf of the Government of Arunachal Pradesh and NDDB Chairman Dr Meenesh C. Shah on behalf of the Board. Senior officials of the Department of Animal Husbandry, Veterinary and Dairy Development (AHV&DD) also attended the discussions.
The meeting focused on addressing key challenges in the dairy sector and identifying collaborative measures for sustainable dairy development in Arunachal Pradesh. Discussions covered infrastructure development, breeding improvement, fodder planning, cooperative strengthening and adoption of dairy models suited to the State’s hill ecosystem.
One of the major issues raised was the high transportation cost involved in bringing High Genetic Merit (HGM) cattle from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Andhra Pradesh to Arunachal Pradesh. NDDB assured that the matter would be taken up with Railway authorities to facilitate smoother and more economical transportation of cattle.
The issue of low conception success rates associated with sex-sorted semen in the State also came up for discussion. NDDB agreed to provide substantial doses of sex-sorted semen free of cost from its Sabarmati Artificial Insemination Centre along with technical support.
To strengthen cooperative coverage in the dairy sector, NDDB informed that a comprehensive Detailed Project Report (DPR) is being prepared for establishment of two new dairy plants, refurbishment of two existing plants, setting up of Dairy Cooperative Societies (DCS), formation of Milk Unions and installation of Bulk Milk Coolers (BMCs) at strategic locations. The proposal is aimed at enabling the State to avail financial assistance under the White Revolution 2.0 programme.
The meeting also discussed utilization of Fisheries Department land in West Kameng district for establishment of a 200-capacity milch cow rearing centre to support fresh milk supply in the Tawang sector. A dedicated fodder farm is also proposed on nearby departmental land under the AHV&DD Department.
In the area of fodder development, NDDB agreed to assist in preparation of a comprehensive State Fodder Plan, including mineral mapping in collaboration with the Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute (IGFRI), Jhansi.
NDDB further expressed willingness to provide technical expertise and logistical support for establishment of small-scale biogas plants under the ANAND model to promote sustainable dairy practices in the State.
Regarding dairy infrastructure, DPRs have already been prepared for refurbishment of dairy plants at Pasighat and Karsingsa with estimated project costs of ₹11 crore and ₹13.50 crore respectively. Proposals have also been prepared for establishment of two new dairy plants at Namsai and Warjong at estimated costs of ₹17.79 crore and ₹25.57 crore respectively to strengthen milk supply chains, including supply to Army establishments.
Recognising the unique geographical conditions of Tawang and West Kameng districts, NDDB proposed adoption of the Ladakh model of dairy development involving smaller livestock holdings with wider farmer participation.
Both sides also agreed to develop realistic and implementable timelines for all proposed projects. A non-binding and non-financial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between NDDB and the Government of Arunachal Pradesh is expected to be signed next month to formalise future cooperation.
The NDDB Chairman, along with a technical team, is also expected to visit Arunachal Pradesh shortly to assess ground realities and finalise timelines and detailed project projections.
The meeting is being seen as a significant step towards strengthening the dairy ecosystem of Arunachal Pradesh and enhancing dairy-based livelihoods, nutritional security and rural economic development in the State.
