India’s dairy sector is vital for rural livelihoods and nutrition. To strengthen it, the Government of India launched the National Dairy Plan (NDP). Phase I focused on increasing milk productivity and expanding village-level milk collection, while Phase II targets untapped regions, strengthens cooperatives, and promotes value addition. Together, these initiatives aim to boost milk production, empower farmers, and modernize India’s dairy industry.
What is the National Dairy Plan (NDP)?
The National Dairy Plan (NDP) is a long-term initiative by the Government of India, implemented through the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), to improve milk production, enhance productivity of milch animals, and support rural milk producers. The plan is part of India’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its dairy sector, which is crucial for rural livelihoods, nutrition security, and overall economic growth.
The NDP has been implemented in multiple phases, each targeting different aspects of dairy development. Phase I (NDP-I) focused on productivity enhancement and village-level milk procurement. Phase II (NDP-II) emphasizes consolidation, value addition, and development of untapped regions with low dairy potential, supported by entities like NDDB and international partners like the World Bank.
What were the main objectives of NDP phase 1?
NDP Phase I (2011–12 to 2018–19) was a scientifically planned, multi-state initiative with clear objectives:
- Increase Productivity of Milch Animals
- Use scientific breeding methods like Artificial Insemination (AI), progeny testing, and high genetic merit bulls.
- Improve animal nutrition to enhance milk yield and reduce feeding costs.
- Reduce methane emission per kilogram of milk produced through better feeding practices.
- Expand Access to Organized Milk Markets
- Connect rural milk producers with cooperatives and milk processing units.
- Ensure timely payments and fair pricing for milk delivered.
- Strengthen Infrastructure and Support Systems
- Establish village-level milk collection systems, bulk milk coolers, and milk testing labs.
- Implement ICT-based monitoring systems for project management and data collection.
- Train personnel and milk producers for sustainable practices.
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What were the key components of NDP phase 1?
NDP Phase I had three major components with sub-components as follows:
a) productivity enhancement
- High Genetic Merit (HGM) Bulls: Produced 2,500 bulls and imported 400 exotic bulls/embryos for genetic improvement.
- Semen Stations: Strengthened existing “A” and “B” graded stations; produced 100 million semen doses annually.
- Doorstep AI Delivery: Pilot model with 3,000 Mobile AI Technicians (MAITs) performing 4 million doorstep AIs.
- Ration Balancing Program: Covered 2.7 million animals across 40,000 villages.
- Fodder Development: Produced 7,500 tonnes of certified fodder seeds and conducted 1,350 silage-making demonstrations.
b) village-based milk procurement systems
- Expanded coverage to 23,800 new villages.
- Enrolled 1.2 million additional milk producers.
- Supported milk weighing, testing, cooling, and institutional structure creation.
- Training programs for milk producers and cooperative staff.
c) project management and learning
- Developed ICT-based MIS for data collection and monitoring.
- Supported evaluation, surveys, and learning to improve project outcomes.
- Enabled capacity building for project staff and dairy cooperatives.
Which states were covered under NDP phase 1?
NDP-I focused on 18 major milk-producing states, which together account for over 90% of India’s milk production:
| States | Remarks |
| Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand, Kerala | Account for 87% of breedable cattle/buffalo population and 98% of fodder resources |
The program aimed to reach these states in terms of animal productivity, milk collection, and infrastructure, but its benefits eventually extended across the country.
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What were the major achievements of NDP phase 1?
NDP Phase I successfully achieved significant milestones:
- Farmer Enrollment: Over 16.8 lakh additional milk producers enrolled, including nearly 7.65 lakh women.
- Genetic Progress: Distributed more than 2,400 High Genetic Merit (HGM) bulls to improve cattle breeds.
- Economic Impact: Increased net daily income per milk producer by ₹25.52 on average.
- Village Reach: Expanded organized milk procurement to around 97,000 villages.
- Infrastructure: Supported semen stations, fodder production, and village-level milk procurement systems.
What is the National Dairy Plan phase 2 (NDP 2)?
NDP Phase II is the next stage of India’s dairy development strategy, focusing on consolidation, value addition, and tapping untapped regions with lower dairy potential. It is designed to strengthen cooperatives, improve infrastructure, and introduce modern dairy practices.
- Target States: Focus on eastern and northeastern states such as Odisha, Jharkhand, and North East India.
- Cooperative Strengthening: Formation of new village-level dairy cooperatives with resilience and self-sufficiency.
- Value Chain Development: Expand milk collection capacity and introduce value-added dairy products.
- Farmer Empowerment: Provide high-yielding animals, promote fodder cultivation, and train farmers in modern practices.
- Infrastructure Development: Support bulk milk coolers, milk testing labs, and overall dairy infrastructure aligned with “White Revolution 2.0”.
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How does NDP 2 differ from previous phases?
Unlike previous phases, NDP-II emphasizes untapped regions, modern practices, and sustainable value chains rather than just broad coverage.
| Phase | Focus | Key Achievements |
| Operation Flood I | Linked 18 milksheds to cities | Built basic dairy cooperative networks |
| Operation Flood II | Expanded from 18 to 136 milksheds | Increased milk procurement coverage |
| NDP-I | Productivity & fodder focus | 2,500 HGM bulls, 23,800 new villages, 16.8 lakh new milk producers |
| NDP-II | Consolidation & value addition | Focus on untapped regions, strengthening cooperatives, high-yield animals, milk processing & value chains |
Who implements NDP phase 2?
Key implementing agencies include:
- National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) – Overall coordination, Breed Multiplication Farms, technical guidance.
- Government of India (DAHD) – Provides funding, policies, and strategic direction.
- World Bank – Provides financial and technical support for regional and value chain initiatives.
- State Cooperatives and Milk Federations – Implementation at the grassroots level.
What is the national programme for dairy development (NPDD) and its role?
The NPDD is a related program running since 2014–15 under the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD). Its purpose is to:
- Enhance quality of milk and milk products.
- Increase share of organized milk procurement, processing, and marketing.
- Create infrastructure like Bulk Milk Coolers, Milk Testing Labs, and Mobile Veterinary Units (MVUs).
Achievements under NPDD (as of 2025):
| Parameter | Numbers |
| Dairy cooperative societies organized/revived | 31,908 |
| Additional milk producers enrolled | 17.63 lakh |
| Additional milk procurement | 120.68 thousand kg/day |
| Village-level milk testing labs | 61,677 |
| Bulk Milk Coolers | 5,995 (capacity: 149.35 lakh litres) |
| Dairy plant labs upgraded | 279 |
| Mobile Veterinary Units | 4,019 |
| Livestock farmers benefitted | 96.86 lakh |
| Animals treated | 2.01 crore |
NPDD complements NDP by strengthening infrastructure, cooperative societies, and veterinary services.
What are the benefits of NDP and NPDD for farmers?
The benefits of NDP and NPDD for farmers are as follow:
- Increased Income: Through higher milk yields, better feeding practices, and timely payments.
- Women Empowerment: Many women participate actively in milk production and cooperative management.
- Access to Technology: Use of AI, high-yield bulls, and modern fodder techniques.
- Infrastructure Support: Bulk milk coolers, milk testing labs, and village-level procurement ensure quality and reduced wastage.
- Veterinary Services: MVUs provide doorstep health services for livestock.
Questions based on National Dairy Plan
Q1. What was the main objective of NDP Phase I?
a) Increase export of milk
b) Increase productivity of milch animals and organized milk collection
c) Only fodder development
d) Promote milk-based sweets
e) Reduce price of milk
Answer: b) Increase productivity of milch animals and organized milk collection
Explanation: NDP-I focused on scientific breeding, animal nutrition, and village-level milk procurement.
Q2. How many High Genetic Merit (HGM) bulls were produced under NDP-I?
a) 500
b) 1,000
c) 2,500
d) 5,000
e) 10,000
Answer: c) 2,500
Explanation: NDP-I produced 2,500 HGM bulls and imported 400 exotic bulls/embryos for breeding improvement.
Q3. Which states are the focus of NDP-II?
a) Gujarat and Maharashtra
b) Eastern and North Eastern states like Odisha and Jharkhand
c) Rajasthan and Haryana
d) Tamil Nadu and Karnataka
e) All 36 states equally
Answer: b) Eastern and North Eastern states like Odisha and Jharkhand
Explanation: NDP-II targets untapped regions with lower dairy potential.
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Q4. How many milk producers were enrolled under NPDD as of July 2025?
a) 5 lakh
b) 10 lakh
c) 17.63 lakh
d) 25 lakh
e) 30 lakh
Answer: c) 17.63 lakh
Explanation: NPDD has successfully enrolled 17.63 lakh additional milk producers, increasing organized milk procurement.
Q5. What is the role of Mobile Veterinary Units (MVUs) under NPDD?
a) Milk procurement
b) Provide doorstep veterinary services to livestock
c) Breed new cattle
d) Collect fodder
e) Transport milk
Answer: b) Provide doorstep veterinary services to livestock
Explanation: MVUs treat animals and benefit farmers by providing livestock health services at their doorstep.
FAQs
A: NDDB and State Milk Cooperatives implement it.
A: Productivity enhancement and village-level milk procurement.
A: Consolidation, value addition, and development of untapped regions.
A: 18 major milk-producing states.
A: Modernization of India’s dairy sector under NDP-II.
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