The Union Agriculture
Minister Shri Ajit Singh today called for joint ventures between
the National Dairy Development Board and State Cooperation Milk
Federations to effectively counter the growing market competition
from foreign companies. He was speaking after releasing a handbook
on ‘Technology of Indian Milk Products’ here today. He said
despite being the leading milk producer with about 88 million
tonnes of production the country has not been able to get its
due share in the milk markets. The Minister observed the joints
ventures with NDDB would augment the marketing capacity of the
state federations. NDDB has spent about Rs.1800 crore since
1996 on strengthening of State Federations and would spend an
equal amount in the next seven years, Shri Ajit Singh informed.
The Agricultural
Minister emphasised the need for proper literature on milk products
for effective market promotion. He observed that some countries
like China have evolved appropriate technologies that help in
increasing the consumers’ preference for milk and milk products.
The Minister underscored the need for ensuring adequate availability
of quality fodder to further increase milk production in the
country.
