By Bl Ahmedabad Bureau
Copyright thehindubusinessline
Manipur Dairy which is currently being managed by National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) will begin supplying milk to Assam Rifles by October, said Meenesh Shah, chairman of NDDB on Wednesday.
Shah along with Governor of Manipur Ajay Kumar Bhalla unveiled a new brand name and logo for the Manipur Milk Producers’ Cooperative Union Ltd at Raj Bhavan, Imphal.
A fresh identity for Manipur Dairy, reflects its renewed commitment to serving farmers and consumers under the professional management of NDDB which was handed over the management of the milk union by the Government of Manipur in April 2025, stated NDDB in an official release here.
During the event held in Imphal, Shah said the supply of milk to Assam Rifles will provide a stable market for milk producing farmers in Manipur.
NDDB had provided financial and technical assistance to help stabilise the Union, including a grant of ₹3 crore and an interest-free loan of ₹5 crore under the Revitalising Promising Producer-Owned Institutions (RPPOI) scheme.
This support has assisted in clearing long-pending farmer dues, upgrading processing facilities and providing working capital. Shah said NDDB has stationed senior officers in Imphal to oversee governance, operations, and product diversification, ensuring that the Union grows in a professional manner.
He also pointed out that NDDB had waived management fees, supported training and exposure visits for Manipur officials to successful dairies in Anand, Jharkhand, and West Bengal, and introduced best practices in fodder development, animal health, and manure management
On Wednesday, the Manipur Governor also launched new milk variants – Cow Special Milk (500 ml) and Health Plus Double Toned Milk (150 ml) – alongside a range of value-added dairy products.
These include Probiotic Curd (400 gm & 100 gm), Special Lassi (200 ml) and Cow Ghee (250 gm & 500 gm). These products have been developed to cater to the evolving tastes and health needs of consumers in Manipur, while also ensuring higher returns for milk producers.
In addition to the brand and product launches, he virtually inaugurated several important initiatives, including the rollout of NDDB’s Automated Milk Collection System (AMCS) and Dairy ERP platform at Manipur Dairy. These digital tools will enhance transparency, quality-based milk procurement and financial inclusion by enabling direct digital payments to farmers’ bank accounts.
The Governor also inaugurated a 2 KL Bulk Milk Chilling Centre at Kakching, which will help in preserving milk quality and expanding procurement in rural areas.
He also announced the formation of five new all-women Dairy Cooperative Societies in Kakching district under White Revolution 2.0, equipped with Automated Milk Collection Units (AMCU) and digital banking facilities. This initiative is expected to empower rural women, foster entrepreneurship and strengthen community participation in dairying.
Bhalla observed that Manipur has immense potential for dairying, as it has favourable agro-climatic conditions and cattle population of about 2.6 lakh.
Under NDDB’s stewardship, the Union has also taken steps to strengthen its retail presence. Plans are underway to establish ‘Milk & More’ retail booths across Imphal and other towns to enhance visibility and consumer access., the release added.
Published on September 17, 2025
