NCDFI, Indian Army reaffirm commitment to strengthen dairy supply chain
National Cooperative Dairy Federation of India Ltd (NCDFI) and the Indian Army reiterated their commitment to strengthening cooperation to support local milk procurement, processing and cold-chain management through the dairy cooperative network.
“This unique four-decade-old Dairy Cooperative-Defence partnership delivers benefits to all stakeholders — defence establishments gain dependable supplies and resilient local supply chains; cooperatives secure assured institutional markets and better utilisation of infrastructure; and dairy farmers access wider markets with regular income,” said Meenesh Shah, Chairman, NCDFI, who also heads the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB).
Speaking at the “Cooperative Conclave on Dairy-Defence Partnership” in Anand, Gujarat, Shah commended cooperatives for strengthening milk procurement, processing, cold storage and supply-chain systems in border and North-Eastern regions. He said every additional litre supplied brings dairy farmers and personnel serving the nation closer together.
The Conclave recognised the contribution of dairy cooperatives in supplying quality milk and milk products to Defence establishments, particularly in remote, border and high-altitude areas.
Lt General Mukesh Chadha, Director General of Supplies and Transport (DGST), Indian Army, appreciated NCDFI and its member cooperatives for ensuring reliable supplies to troops in difficult terrains. He also complimented NDDB for its focused efforts in border areas toward organising, promoting and strengthening dairy cooperatives, thereby supporting local milk production.
Lt Gen Chadha noted that a stronger dairy-cooperative presence in border areas could create sustainable markets, generate local employment and livelihood opportunities, and contribute to reverse migration. He underlined the scope for greater fresh-milk supplies and called for closer Army-NCDFI coordination to assess requirements and build suitable local capacities.
He also stressed the importance of maintaining adequate long-life milk capacity wherever operational need demands.
