Imphal: A tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on Friday between Veterinary & Animal Husbandry Department, Government of Manipur, National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), Government of India and Manipur Milk Producers’ Co-operative Union Ltd for handing over the management of Manipur Milk Producers’ Co-operative Union Limited to National Dairy Development Board.

The MoU was signed at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat in the presence of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh and Veterinary and A.H. Minister Khashim Vashum.

During the signing of the MoU, Secretary of Veterinary & A.H  Michael Achom represented the Government of Manipur, while NDDB and Manipur Milk Producers’ Co-operative Union Ltd. were represented by Chairman of NDDB Dr. Meenesh Shah and Member of Board of Administration Pukhrambam Sobhachandra Singh.

Speaking on the occasion, Biren said that the signing of the MoU was a long-awaited development and its a great moment. Highlighting the importance of milk in the human diet, he said “Manipur has more requirement of milk than its current production. In a State like Manipur, which has produced 19 Olympians and many other successful sport players, milk is an excellent supplement since many players are not financially able to afford more expensive diets”.

The Manipur Chief Minister thanking the members of the Manipur Milk Producers’ Co-operative Union Ltd. for agreeing to hand over the management to NDDB, expressed his hope that the production of milk in the State would increase in the coming days.

While stressing the need to develop grazing grounds in various areas, the Manipur CM asked the Chairman of NDDB to submit a proposal for suitable sites for the same, after consultation with concerned farmers of villages. He also assured to extend full cooperation and support to NDDB in their initiatives to increase milk production in the State.

Chairman of NDDB Dr. Meenesh Shah while speaking on the operation flood which had transformed India from a milk-deficient nation into world largest milk producer, he informed that India’s current milk production is over 239 million metric tons, which is 24 percent share of the world’s production.

“Milk production contributes 4 to 5 percent of our Gross Domestic Product and there is  need for the rural areas to join the mainstream economy for achieving the dream of Viksit Bharat. NDDB had a clear-cut focus on Northeast States. The Board has no intention of any business activities, but would take a purely developmental role in increasing the milk production of the State”, he said.

The MoU signing was also attended by Ministers, MLAs, representatives of NDDB and Manipur Milk Producers’ Co-operative Union Ltd. and senior government officials among others.