Source:indiatoday.intoday.in
To increase production of milk in the country, there is a need to extend the famed White Revolution from the northern parts of the country to the eastern states, say experts.
“President Pranab Mukherjee has mentioned the need for bringing Green Revolution in the east, this will create animal feed and can help in extending the White Revolution in the region,” National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) Chairman T Nanda Kumar told PTI at a function here.
Both milk production and consumption is very low in the eastern states, he said.
“However, with the support of state governments, these hurdles can be overcome by creating strong veterinary services, 24/7 power supply, good infrastructure like roads and facility to keep frozen semen for better breeds,” he said.
NDDB has taken up Jharkhand and Assam as model states for raising milk production and has become successful, he said.
Echoing similar view, Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federations Managing Director R S Sodhi said milk cooperatives in Gujarat remain the only industry in the world which gives back almost 80 per cent of the market price of milk to the farmer, against 30 per cent globally.
Other milk cooperatives in the country also ensure the farmer gets a return of around 70 per cent of the market price, he said.
“This way the farmer earns more and is incentivised to produce more milk. It helps meet the rapidly growing demand for milk, thanks to the nutritional needs of much of India and the gradual shift from cereals to milk products on account of growing affluence,” he added.
He said the move from unorganised to organised is very important as it will ensure better price realisation for farmers and also enhance quality.
Maharashtras Principal Secretary, Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Fisheries, Mahesh Pathak, said the state was now facing an urgent need for good quality fodder.
“With lack of rains and water woes, good quality fodder is becoming an important issue for the dairy sector,” he said, adding to ensure quality of milk and other dairy products, integrated dairy plants are needed.
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