UP Govt asks NDDB subsidiary to partner with 1.50 lakh women dairy farmers

The Uttar Pradesh government has roped in NDDB Dairy Services, a wholly owned subsidiary of the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), to provide technical support to the management of three women-owned dairy producing companies – Saamarthya Milk Producer Company (Raebareli), Shri Baba Gorakhnath and Kripaa Milk Producer Company. Company (Gorakhpur) and Srijanee Milk Producer Company (Bareilly) – established in the state.

NDDB Dairy Services (NDS) said in a statement that these FPOs will purchase milk from more than 2,800 villages in 17 districts registering 1.50 lakh female dairy farmers. The National Security Administration said daily purchases will reach 7,000 liters by the fifth year of operations. UP State Rural Living Mission (UPSRLM) is the implementing agency for this dairy farmers project.

Under the Rs 200 crore Mahila Samarthya Yojana (MSY), launched in 2021-22, exclusively female-owned enterprises are being promoted. The MSY scheme was launched after the success of Jhansi’s Balinee Milk Producer Company and Kashee Milk Producer Company of Varanasi.

By using NDS expertise, the aim is not only to greatly promote women’s entrepreneurship in rural areas, but also to make a fundamental difference in the lives of these women and their families, said C. Indumathi, Director of UPSRLM.

Uttar Pradesh is the second largest milk producing state in the country. Said Minish Shah, Chairman of the Board of Directors of NDDB as well as NDS. He said this initiative of bringing together female dairy farmers would not only provide them with access to markets and livelihoods, but also unleash the entrepreneurial potential of women belonging to the 17 targeted predominantly rural districts.