The Government of India is implementing various schemes to expand dairy-based industries in villages, benefiting millions of dairy farmers by improving milk production, infrastructure, and income.
The Government of India, through the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), has launched several initiatives to boost the dairy industry, particularly in rural areas. These programs are designed to complement and enhance the efforts of State Governments, promoting dairy-based industries across the country. Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh, recently shared insights into these initiatives and their impact on the dairy sector in a written reply in Lok Sabha.
Key Schemes for Dairy Development
The DAHD has introduced several key schemes to support the development of the dairy industry, focusing on enhancing milk production, improving infrastructure, and increasing the income of dairy farmers. The primary schemes include:
- National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD):
- Objective: The NPDD aims to increase milk production and productivity, improve the quality of milk and milk products, and strengthen the dairy infrastructure.
- Components: It includes activities like setting up and modernizing milk procurement, processing, and marketing facilities, as well as providing technical input services for farmers.
- Supporting Dairy Cooperatives & Farmer Producer Organizations (SDCFPO):
- Objective: This scheme focuses on strengthening dairy cooperatives and FPOs, ensuring they can operate efficiently and provide better services to their members.
- Components: It includes support for milk procurement, processing, and marketing, as well as capacity building for cooperative staff and members.
- Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF):
- Objective: AHIDF provides financial assistance for the creation and expansion of infrastructure related to dairy processing, milk chilling, feed production, and other allied activities.
- Components: It includes support for establishing processing units, milk testing laboratories, and storage facilities, as well as promoting the adoption of modern technology in the dairy sector.
Beneficiaries of the Schemes
The beneficiaries of these schemes are diverse, including Dairy Cooperatives, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), Self Help Groups (SHGs), Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), Private Companies, Section 8 Companies, and individual entrepreneurs. By targeting a wide range of stakeholders, these schemes ensure a holistic approach to dairy development, benefiting communities across different regions of India.
Impact on Dairy Farmers
The implementation of these schemes has brought significant benefits to over 9 crore dairy farmers engaged in dairying across India. The impact includes:
- Enhanced Milk Production: The adoption of modern techniques and infrastructure has led to a notable increase in milk production, contributing to higher incomes for farmers.
- Improved Productivity: The schemes have focused on improving the productivity of bovines through better feed, veterinary care, and breeding practices, ensuring more efficient milk production.
- Strengthened Dairy Infrastructure: The creation and modernization of dairy infrastructure, including processing units and cold storage facilities, have enabled better handling and distribution of milk, reducing wastage and ensuring higher quality products.
- Stabilization of Milk Prices: By reducing the cost of milk production through improved feed availability and infrastructure, these initiatives have helped stabilize milk prices, providing a reliable income source for farmers.
- Increased Income for Farmers: With the stabilization of milk prices and improved productivity, farmers have experienced an increase in their income, contributing to better livelihoods in rural areas.
State-Wise Implementation
The implementation of these schemes varies across different states and union territories, with specific projects and beneficiaries under each scheme. The table below provides a detailed state-wise and scheme-wise breakdown:
| Sr. No. | State/UTs | NPDD | AHIDF | DIDF | SDCFPO (Component A) | SDCFPO (Component B) |
| 1 | Andhra Pradesh | 4 | 1 | 11 | 1 | 3 |
| 2 | Arunachal Pradesh | 2 | ||||
| 3 | Assam | 2 | 1 | |||
| 4 | Bihar | 17 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 4 |
| 5 | Chhattisgarh | 3 | ||||
| 6 | Goa | 2 | 1 | |||
| 7 | Gujarat | 8 | 10 | 5 | 12 | |
| 8 | Haryana | 4 | 13 | 4 | ||
| 9 | Himachal Pradesh | 6 | 2 | |||
| 10 | Jammu & Kashmir | 4 | ||||
| 11 | Jharkhand | 3 | 4 | 1 | ||
| 12 | Karnataka | 16 | 6 | 10 | 12 | |
| 13 | Kerala | 14 | 3 | 1 | ||
| 14 | Madhya Pradesh | 13 | 1 | 10 | 1 | 1 |
| 15 | Maharashtra | 4 | 32 | 2 | 2 | |
| 16 | Manipur | 3 | ||||
| 17 | Meghalaya | 6 | ||||
| 18 | Mizoram | 3 | ||||
| 19 | Nagaland | 4 | ||||
| 20 | Odisha | 7 | 2 | 1 | ||
| 21 | Puducherry | 4 | ||||
| 22 | Punjab | 9 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 2 |
| 23 | Rajasthan | 28 | 5 | 11 | 1 | 6 |
| 24 | Sikkim | 6 | ||||
| 25 | Tamil Nadu | 9 | 9 | 4 | 4 | |
| 26 | Telangana | 8 | 1 | 10 | 3 | 1 |
| 27 | Tripura | 3 | ||||
| 28 | Uttar Pradesh | 7 | 7 | 17 | ||
| 29 | Uttarakhand | 4 | 1 | 1 | ||
| 30 | West Bengal | 3 | 10 | |||
| Total | 206 | 22 | 157 | 37 | 50 |
*Note: DIDF (Dairy Processing Infrastructure Development Fund) has been subsumed under the Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF) as of February 1, 2024.
Role of Technology and Innovation
In addition to the financial support provided through these schemes, the Government is also encouraging the adoption of modern technology and innovation in the dairy sector. This includes:
- Digital Tools: The use of digital tools for managing dairy operations, tracking milk production, and monitoring animal health has become increasingly important. These technologies help farmers make informed decisions, optimize resources, and improve overall efficiency.
- Sustainable Practices: There is a growing emphasis on sustainable dairy farming practices, including the use of renewable energy sources, efficient water management, and eco-friendly waste disposal methods. These practices not only reduce the environmental impact of dairy farming but also enhance long-term profitability.
- Capacity Building: Training and capacity-building programs are being conducted to equip dairy farmers with the skills needed to adopt new technologies and improve their farm management practices. This includes workshops, seminars, and hands-on training sessions.
Future Prospects
The continued focus on expanding dairy-based industries in villages is expected to have far-reaching effects on India’s rural economy. As these initiatives gain momentum, they will likely lead to:
- Job Creation: The expansion of dairy processing units and related infrastructure will create new employment opportunities in rural areas, helping to curb migration to urban centers.
- Improved Nutrition: The increased availability of high-quality milk and dairy products will contribute to better nutrition and health outcomes, particularly in rural communities.
- Export Potential: With improved infrastructure and higher quality standards, Indian dairy products have the potential to tap into international markets, boosting export revenues and contributing to the country’s economic growth.
The Government of India’s comprehensive approach to expanding dairy-based industries in villages is making a significant impact on the lives of millions of dairy farmers. Through targeted schemes, technological innovation, and a focus on sustainability, these initiatives are paving the way for a brighter future for India’s dairy sector. With ongoing support and investment, the dairy industry is poised for substantial growth, bringing prosperity to rural communities across the country.
