- Governor introduced two new milk variants – Cow Special Milk (500 ml) and Health Plus Double Toned Milk (150 ml) – along with a range of value-added products
- Governor virtually inaugurates NDDB’s Automated Milk Collection System (AMCS) and Dairy ERP platform at Manipur Dairy
- . Dr Meenesh Shah, Chairman, NDDB, reaffirms NDDB’s long-term commitment, noting that the Board had extended a grant of ₹3 crore and an interest-free loan of ₹5 crore under the Revitalising Promising Producer-Owned Institutions (RPPOI) scheme
NE BUSINESS BUREAU
ANAND, SEPT 20
Manipur’s dairy sector took a giant leap forward as Ajay Kumar Bhalla, Governor of Manipur, unveiled the new brand name and logo of the Manipur Milk Producers’ Co-operative Union Ltd (MMPCUL) – now rebranded as ‘Manipur Dairy’ – at Raj Bhavan, Imphal on September 17. The rebranding, under the professional management of the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), symbolizes a renewed commitment to strengthening farmers’ livelihoods and delivering quality dairy products to consumers.
The launch ceremony was attended by Puneet Kumar Goel, Chief Secretary, Government of Manipur, Dr Meenesh Shah, Chairman, NDDB, senior government officials, representatives from Manipur Dairy, and women dairy farmers from cooperative societies.
New Products for Modern Consumers
On the occasion, the Governor introduced two new milk variants – Cow Special Milk (500 ml) and Health Plus Double Toned Milk (150 ml) – along with a range of value-added products, including Probiotic Curd (400 gm & 100 gm), Special Lassi (200 ml), and Cow Ghee (250 gm & 500 gm). These offerings aim to meet the evolving tastes and health needs of consumers, while ensuring higher returns for producers.
Digital Transformation in Dairy
Alongside product launches, the Governor virtually inaugurated NDDB’s Automated Milk Collection System (AMCS) and Dairy ERP platform at Manipur Dairy. These tools will improve transparency in milk procurement, ensure quality-based pricing, and facilitate direct digital payments to farmers’ bank accounts.
A 2 KL Bulk Milk Chilling Centre at Kakching was also inaugurated to strengthen rural procurement and preserve milk quality. In a major boost to women empowerment, the Governor announced the formation of five all-women Dairy Cooperative Societies in Kakching district, equipped with modern milk collection units and digital banking facilities.
Governor Lauds NDDB’s Role
Addressing the gathering, Governor Bhalla praised the rapid transformation of the state’s dairy sector since NDDB assumed management of MMPCUL in April 2025.
“Manipur has immense potential in dairying with its favourable agro-climatic conditions and a cattle base of 2.6 lakh. Handing over the Milk Union to NDDB was a bold and visionary step that is already showing results. From new products to women-led cooperatives and digitalisation, these initiatives will uplift farmer incomes, enhance nutrition security, and bring rural prosperity,” he said.
NDDB’s Support: Stability and Growth
Dr Meenesh Shah, Chairman, NDDB, reaffirmed NDDB’s long-term commitment, noting that the Board had extended 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 cleared farmer dues, modernised processing facilities, and ensured working capital for operations.
Dr Shah added that NDDB has waived management fees, deployed senior officers in Imphal, and supported training programmes and exposure visits to successful dairies in Anand, Jharkhand, and West Bengal. By October 2025, Manipur Dairy will begin supplying milk to the Assam Rifles, opening a stable institutional market for farmers while contributing to the nutrition of India’s armed forces.
Towards a Self-Reliant Dairy Future
To strengthen market presence, ‘Milk & More’ retail booths will soon be established across Imphal and nearby towns. With rebranding, product diversification, digital transformation, and farmer-focused initiatives, Manipur Dairy is positioned to emerge as a trusted brand for consumers and a reliable source of income for rural households.
The new identity marks not just a milestone for Manipur Dairy, but also a step towards self-reliance in milk production, aligning with NDDB’s vision of sustainable livelihoods and nutritional security for all.
