- With the inauguration of the country’s first Ready-to-Use Culture (RUC) plant, established by IDMC, India would now start producing indigenous cultures, thereby strengthening the foundation of Aatmanirbhar Bharat in the dairy sector: Amit Shah
- NDDB remains fully committed to advancing new farmer-oriented initiatives in alignment with the vision of self-reliant cooperative growth: Dr Meenesh Shah, Chairman, NDDB
NE BUSINESS BUREAU
ANAND, JUKY 7
In a landmark event commemorating NDDB’s Diamond Jubilee year and also on the occasion of the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, 4-year journey of the Union Ministry of Cooperation and International Year of Cooperatives, Amit Shah, Union Minister of Home Affairs & Cooperation inaugurated three significant initiatives – NDDB’s new office building – Maniben Bhavan, country’s first Ready-to-Use Culture Plant established by IDMC & NCDFI’s office complex, marking a new chapter in India’s cooperative dairy movement at Anand on Sunday.
Speaking at the event, the Union Minister of Home Affairs & Cooperation stated that the day marked a significant moment in India’s pursuit of self-reliance in the dairy sector. He noted that despite the diverse cultures required to produce fermented food products in India, around 90% of starter cultures had been imported so far. With the inauguration of the country’s first Ready-to-Use Culture (RUC) plant, established by IDMC, he said, India would now start producing indigenous cultures, thereby strengthening the foundation of Aatmanirbhar Bharat in the dairy sector. He appreciated NDDB’s R&D efforts, which have resulted in the development of various indigenous RUC formulations. He also highlighted the importance of inaugurating NDDB’s new office building and NCDFI’s office complex, describing these developments as crucial and timely for the future of the cooperative dairy sector.
Dr Meenesh Shah, Chairman, NDDB stated that the inauguration of the indigenous RUC plant, NCDFI’s office complex and the new NDDB Maniben Bhavan under the guidance of the Hon’ble Minister had been deeply inspiring. He noted that NDDB remains fully committed to advancing new farmer-oriented initiatives in alignment with the vision of self-reliant cooperative growth. These inaugurations will reinforce the Government of India’s unwavering commitment to making the country self-reliant and globally competitive in the dairy sector.
NDDB’s new office building, foundation stone of which was laid in October 2024, is completed in just eight months and is dedicated to Sushri Maniben Patel, the daughter of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Her legacy as a freedom fighter, her role in the dairy cooperative movement and her contributions to nation-building will continue to inspire generations to come. NDDB ‘s new office building has been developed as a modern complex based on green building principles, prioritising sustainable development and energy efficiency. The building maximises the use of natural light, energy-efficient appliances, rainwater harvesting and modern waste management systems, making it an eco-friendly workplace.
The Ready-to-Use Culture (RUC) manufacturing plant developed by IDMC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of NDDB is a momentous step in India’s quest for self-reliance in fermented dairy cultures. Despite India’s abundant microbial diversity, this initiative aims to reduce import reliance and boost domestic production in alignment with the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ visions. Most of the equipment used is domestically sourced.
The new headquarters of the National Cooperative Dairy Federation of India (NCDFI), aims to strengthen coordination among state-level dairy cooperatives across the country. Built by NDDB, the new facility is expected to improve the operational efficiency and outreach of NCDFI, which currently represents dairy cooperatives from 29 States and Union Territories. NCDFI also coordinates milk supply for the Ministry of Defence. The e-Market portal developed by the Federation is a notable initiative that promotes transparency and efficiency.
Prof SP Singh Baghel, Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Panchayati Raj; George Kurian, Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Minority Affairs; Krishan Pal, Union Minister of State for Cooperation; Murlidhar Mohol, Union Minister of State for Cooperation & Civil Aviation; Shankarbhai Chaudhary, Speaker, Gujarat Legislative Assembly; Dr Meenesh Shah, Chairman, NDDB and several other esteemed dignitaries graced the occasion.
