National Dairy Plan

The National Dairy Plan is implemented by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DADF). The World Bank provides financial assistance to the plan. It is implemented in 18 states. Basically, the scheme supports milk producing companies and milk cooperatives.

What are the objectives of the plan?

• The National Dairy Plan aims to increase productivity of milch animals
• It aims to increase milk production in order to meet the rapidly growing demand for milk.
• It aims to create an organised milk processing sector and provide access to rural milk producers.

Who is funding the plan?

The first phase of the plan is implemented by the Central Government (DADF). The scheme is funded by International Development Association. The IDA is a part of World Bank that provides concessional loans to poorest developing countries in the world. The DADF receives money from the world bank on behalf of the central government. It then transfers the amount to the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB). The NDDB transfers the money to the End Implementing Agencies.

Who are the implementing agencies of the plan?

The End Implementing Agencies of the Scheme are Cooperative form of enterprises, state livestock development boards, milk producer unions, central cattle breeding farms, regional stations for forage production, central frozen semen production, registered societies, subsidiaries of statutory bodies, Indian Council of Agricultural Institutes and Veterinary Universities.

In which states is the plan implemented?

The plan is being implemented in 18 states currently. They account to 90% of milk production in the country. They are Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand, Telangana, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Punjab, Odisha, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, Karnataka, Haryana, Gujarat, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh.

What is the significance of the plan?

The plan will boost the milk production in the country. India ranks first in global milk production. The milk production in the country increased from 165.40 million tonnes in 2016-17 to 176.35 million tonnes in 2017-18. The per capita availability of milk in the country is to increase to 592 grams per day in 2023 – 24. It was 375 grams per day in 2023 – 24. Thus, the plan is essential to increase milk production in the country.