The Tripura government is looking to give a fresh push to the state’s dairy sector by expanding milk production and strengthening the supply of milk and value-added dairy products, Animal Resources Development Department (ARDD) Minister Sudhangshu Das said on Wednesday.
Das made the statement after participating in a board meeting of the Gomati Cooperative Milk Union, where the future roadmap for dairy development in the state was discussed.
The minister said the government has entered into a tripartite agreement involving the ARDD, Gomati Cooperative Milk Union and the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) to improve the state’s dairy infrastructure and production capacity.
According to Das, Tripura continues to face a gap between the demand for milk and the quantity produced locally. The government therefore intends to increase production while improving processing and distribution mechanisms.
He said NDDB’s technical expertise and experience in developing the dairy sector in different parts of the country would be utilised to strengthen Tripura’s milk production system.
“Demand for milk is higher than the present production in the state. We are working towards increasing production and improving the availability of milk and milk products,” Das said.
The minister also stressed the importance of cooperation from the Central government and technical agencies in achieving the state’s dairy development objectives.
The board meeting reviewed various aspects of expanding milk procurement and production through the Gomati Cooperative Milk Union, besides improving the availability of dairy products for consumers across Tripura.
Senior officials and representatives, including the chairman of the Gomati Cooperative Milk Union, the head of NDDB’s North Eastern operations, the ARD Department secretary and other board members, attended the meeting.
Das said suggestions from all stakeholders would be incorporated while finalising measures aimed at strengthening dairy production and ensuring a more reliable supply of milk and dairy products in the state.
