MoU inked to boost milk production

Imphal, Jan 31 (DIPR)
A tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed today to hand over the management of Manipur Milk Producers’ Co-operative Union Ltd to National Dairy Development Board.
The MoU was signed between Veterinary & Animal Husbandry Department, Government of Manipur, National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), Government of India and Manipur Milk Producers’ Co-operative Union Ltd at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat in the presence of Chief Minister N Biren Singh and Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Minister Khashim Vashum.
In the MoU, Secretary (Veterinary & AH) Michael Achom represented the Government of Manipur while the  Government of India was represented by its Chairman Dr Meenesh Shah.
Manipur Milk Producers’ Co-operative Union Ltd, on the other hand, was represented by its member of Board of Administration Pukhrambam Sobhachandra Singh.
At the occasion, N Biren said that the signing of the MoU was a long-awaited development.
Mentioning the importance of milk in the human diet, he stated that Manipur faces a shortage in milk production, with the State's current production failing to meet its demand.
In a State like Manipur which has produced 19 Olympians and many other successful sport players, milk is an excellent supplement, he added.
The Chief Minister thanked the members of Manipur Milk Producers’ Co-operative Union Ltd. for agreeing to hand over the management to NDDB.
He expressed hope that the production of milk in the State would increase, thereafter.
Stressing on the need to develop grazing grounds in various areas, the Chief Minister asked the Chairman of NDDB to submit a list of suitable sites after consulting with the farmers.
He assured to extend full cooperation and support to NDDB in their initiatives to increase milk production in the State.
Chairman of NDDB Dr Meenesh Shah, while delivering the keynote address, spoke on how India had transformed from a milk-deficient Nation to a world largest milk producer.
He informed that India’s current milk production is over 239 million metric tons, which is 24 percent share of the world’s production.
Milk production contributes 4 to 5 percent of India's Gross Domestic Product, he said, stressing the need for the rural areas to join the mainstream economy for achieving the dream of Viksit Bharat.
He continued that the NDDB has a clear-cut focus on North East States.
He maintained that the Board has no intention of any business activities, but would take a purely developmental role in increasing the milk production of the State.
The MoU signing programme was also attended by Power Minister Th Biswajit Singh, Works Minister Govindas Konthoujam, CAF & PD Minister L Susindro Meitei, MLAs Sapam Kunjakeswor, Khongbantabam Ibomcha, Thongam Shanti, representatives of NDDB and Manipur Milk Producers’ Co-operative Union Ltd. and senior Government officials among others.