Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The dairy sector plays a pivotal role in India's agricultural economy, contributing significantly to rural livelihoods and nutritional security. Recognizing this, successive governments have implemented various programs to bolster dairy development. The National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD) is a cornerstone of these efforts, evolving over time to address the changing needs of the sector. Launched initially as a part of the Integrated Rural Development Programme (IRDP) in 1980, it has undergone several iterations and restructuring to enhance its effectiveness. The program aims to improve milk production, processing, and marketing, ultimately benefiting both producers and consumers.
Objectives of the National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD)
The NPDD's objectives have evolved over time, reflecting the changing landscape of the Indian dairy sector. Initially, the focus was primarily on increasing milk production. The current objectives, as reflected in schemes like the Dairy Scheme under the Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) scheme, are broader and more nuanced:
- Enhance Milk Production and Productivity: Increasing the per capita availability of milk and improving the overall productivity of dairy animals.
- Strengthen Dairy Cooperatives: Empowering and strengthening dairy cooperative societies at the grassroots level.
- Improve Milk Processing and Value Addition: Upgrading milk processing facilities and promoting value-added dairy products.
- Promote Animal Health and Breed Improvement: Improving the health and genetic potential of dairy animals.
- Increase Farmer Income: Improving the economic viability of dairy farming and enhancing the income of dairy farmers.
- Promote Sustainable Dairy Practices: Encouraging environmentally sustainable dairy farming practices.
- Formalization of the Dairy Sector: Bringing the informal dairy sector under a formal framework, ensuring quality and traceability.
Components of the National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD)
The NPDD is not a single monolithic program but rather an umbrella encompassing various sub-schemes and interventions. Key components include:
1. Dairy Infrastructure Development Fund (DIDF)
Established in 2017, DIDF provides concessional financial assistance for creating and upgrading dairy infrastructure. This includes:
- Setting up of milk chilling plants.
- Establishment of dairy processing units.
- Development of milk collection centers.
- Modernization of existing infrastructure.
2. National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) Initiatives
NDDB plays a crucial role in implementing various NPDD components. It provides:
- Technical Assistance: Expertise in dairy technology, management, and marketing.
- Financial Support: Providing loans and grants to dairy cooperatives and entrepreneurs.
- Training and Capacity Building: Conducting training programs for dairy farmers, managers, and technicians.
- Dairy Entrepreneurship Development Scheme (DEDS): A scheme to promote entrepreneurship in the dairy sector by providing financial assistance for setting up dairy units.
3. Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme – Dairy Component
The PMFME scheme includes a significant dairy component aimed at formalizing the micro food processing sector, including dairy units. It provides:
- Credit support to dairy micro-enterprises.
- Training and capacity building.
- Infrastructure development.
- Marketing assistance.
4. Rashtriya Gokul Mission
While not solely part of NPDD, the Rashtriya Gokul Mission complements it by focusing on the conservation and development of indigenous breeds of cattle. This enhances milk production and improves animal health. It has sub-schemes like:
- Gokul Gram Yojana: Developing indigenous breed-based “Gokul Grams.”
- Breed Improvement Programme: Focusing on the improvement of indigenous breeds.
5. National Livestock Mission
This mission focuses on improving the productivity and health of livestock, including dairy animals. It includes components for:
- Breed improvement through artificial insemination and embryo transfer.
- Disease prevention and control.
- Feed and fodder development.
| Scheme | Focus Area | Year of Launch (Approximate) |
|---|---|---|
| DIDF | Dairy Infrastructure Development | 2017 |
| NDDB Initiatives (DEDS) | Dairy Entrepreneurship | 1998 |
| PMFME (Dairy Component) | Formalization of Dairy Sector | 2020 |
| Rashtriya Gokul Mission | Indigenous Breed Conservation | 2014 |
Conclusion
The National Programme for Dairy Development has been instrumental in shaping the Indian dairy landscape, contributing to increased milk production and improved rural livelihoods. While significant progress has been made, challenges remain, including the need for enhanced infrastructure, improved animal health management, and greater formalization of the sector. Future strategies should focus on integrating technology, promoting climate-resilient practices, and ensuring equitable access to benefits for all dairy farmers, especially small and marginal ones, to sustain the growth and resilience of India's dairy sector.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.