Challenges faced by the dairy sector in Arunachal Pradesh were discussed: Wangsu
AIZAWL: On the sidelines of the recent regional meeting of the Animal Husbandry & Fisheries Department held here in Mizoram, a high-level discussion was held between officials of the government of Arunachal Pradesh, led by Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development Minister Gabriel D Wangsu, and a delegation from the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), headed by its Chairman Dr Meenesh C Shah, to deliberate on augmentation and modernisation of the dairy sector in Arunachal.
The delegation from Arunachal included the AHV&DD secretary, the AHV&DD director, and other senior officers from the Department of Animal Husbandry, Veterinary & Dairy Development (AHV&DD).
In a statement, Wangsu said the meeting focused on addressing critical challenges faced by the dairy sector in Arunachal and identifying collaborative interventions for sustainable dairy development. The discussions covered infrastructure development, breeding improvement, fodder planning, cooperative strengthening, and innovative dairy models suited to the hill ecosystem of the state.
Among the major issues discussed was the high transportation cost involved in bringing high genetic merit (HGM) cattle from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Andhra Pradesh to Arunachal. In response, the NDDB assured that the matter would be reviewed and taken up with the railway authorities to facilitate smoother and more economical transportation of HGM cattle, he added.
The issue of low conception success rates associated with sex sorted semen in the state was also deliberated. The NDDB agreed to provide substantial doses of sex sorted semen free of cost from its Sabarmati Artificial Insemination Centre and extend necessary technical support.
To address the low cooperative coverage in the dairy sector, the NDDB informed that a detailed project report (DPR) is being prepared. The proposal includes establishment of two new dairy plants, refurbishment of two existing dairy plants, setting up of dairy cooperative societies (DCSs), formation of milk unions, and establishment of bulk milk coolers (BMCs) at strategic locations.
The initiative is intended to help the state secure financial assistance under the White Revolution 2.0 programme.
The meeting also discussed utilisation of land belonging to the Fisheries Department in West Kameng district for establishment of a 200-capacity milch cow rearing centre for supply of fresh milk in the Tawang sector. A dedicated fodder farm is also proposed to be developed in nearby departmental land under the Department of AHV&DD.
In the area of fodder development, the NDDB agreed to support formulation of a comprehensive state fodder plan, including mineral mapping, in collaboration with the Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute (IGFRI), Jhansi.
The NDDB further expressed willingness to share expertise and logistical support for establishment of small-scale biogas plants under the ANAND model to promote sustainable dairy practices in the state.
Regarding dairy infrastructure, the NDDB has prepared DPRs for refurbishment of dairy plants in Pasighat and Karsingsa, with estimated project costs of Rs 11 crore and Rs 13.50 crore, respectively.
Additionally, proposals for two new dairy plants in Namsai and Warjong, estimated at Rs 17.79 crore and Rs 25.57 crore, respectively, have also been prepared to strengthen milk supply chains, including supply to Army establishments.
Recognising the unique geographical conditions of Tawang and West Kameng districts, the NDDB proposed adoption of the Ladakh model of dairy development, involving smaller livestock holdings with higher farmer participation.
The NDDB also assured that realistic and implementable timelines would be developed for all proposed projects. It was further agreed that a non-binding and non-financial memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the NDDB and the Government of Arunachal Pradesh would be signed next month to formalise future cooperation.
The chairman of the NDDB, along with a technical team, is also expected to visit Arunachal shortly to assess ground realities and finalise timelines and detailed project projections.
