Manipur Signs Tripartite MoU to Boost Milk Production
In a significant move to enhance dairy development, the Government of Manipur has entered into a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) and the Manipur Milk Producers’ Co-operative Union Ltd. This agreement aims to transfer the management of the state’s primary milk cooperative to the NDDB, with the goal of increasing milk production and improving dairy infrastructure in Manipur.
A New Dawn for Manipur’s Dairy Sector
On January 31, 2025, a landmark event unfolded at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat in Imphal. The MoU was signed in the presence of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh and Veterinary & Animal Husbandry Minister Shri Khashim Vashum. Representing the Government of Manipur, Secretary (Veterinary & A.H) Shri Michael Achom inked the agreement, while NDDB Chairman Dr. Meenesh Shah and Member, Board of Administration Shri Pukhrambam Sobhachandra Singh represented NDDB and the Manipur Milk Producers’ Co-operative Union Ltd., respectively.
Chief Minister’s Vision
Chief Minister N. Biren Singh expressed his enthusiasm for this long-awaited initiative. He highlighted the high demand for milk in Manipur, especially among athletes, and voiced confidence that NDDB’s involvement would lead to increased milk production. He also emphasized the importance of developing grazing grounds and urged NDDB to identify suitable locations in consultation with local farmers, assuring the government’s full support in boosting dairy production.
NDDB’s Commitment
Delivering the keynote address, NDDB Chairman Dr. Meenesh Shah spoke about India’s dairy revolution through Operation Flood, which transformed the country into the world’s largest milk producer. He noted that India currently produces over 239 million metric tons of milk, contributing 4-5% to the Gross Domestic Product. Dr. Shah reaffirmed NDDB’s commitment to the development of the dairy sector in Northeast India, clarifying that the Board’s role would be purely developmental rather than commercial.
The Road Ahead
The signing of this MoU marks a significant step towards revitalizing Manipur’s dairy sector. With the combined efforts of the state government, NDDB, and local farmers, there is a renewed hope for increased milk production and improved livelihoods for dairy farmers in the region.
FAQs
- What is the purpose of the tripartite MoU signed by Manipur?
- The MoU aims to transfer the management of the Manipur Milk Producers’ Co-operative Union Ltd. to the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) to enhance milk production in the state.
- Who were the key signatories of the MoU?
- The agreement was signed by Secretary (Veterinary & A.H) Shri Michael Achom for the Government of Manipur, NDDB Chairman Dr. Meenesh Shah, and Member, Board of Administration Shri Pukhrambam Sobhachandra Singh for the Manipur Milk Producers’ Co-operative Union Ltd.
- How does the Chief Minister view this initiative?
- Chief Minister N. Biren Singh welcomed the development, emphasizing the high demand for milk in Manipur and expressing confidence that NDDB’s involvement would boost milk production.
- What is NDDB’s role in this agreement?
- NDDB will manage the Manipur Milk Producers’ Co-operative Union Ltd. with a focus on developmental activities to enhance the state’s dairy sector.
- How does this MoU benefit local farmers?
- The collaboration aims to increase milk production, develop grazing grounds, and improve dairy infrastructure, thereby enhancing the livelihoods of local dairy farmers.
