The Regional Office of the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), Kolkata, organized a special conclave on “Cooperative Dairying for Rural Prosperity” at Vedic Village Resort, Kolkata, as part of NDDB’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations under the theme Sahakar Se Samridhi.
The event brought together leaders and representatives of Milk Unions and Federations from the Eastern and North Eastern regions of India to deliberate on the evolving role of dairy cooperatives in strengthening rural economies.
The conclave was chaired by NDDB Chairman Dr. Meenesh Shah, who delivered the keynote address, while representatives from Sikkim and other participating states shared their experiences in advancing dairy cooperative movements.
From Sikkim, the state’s dairy sector was represented by Yam Kumar Sharma, Chairman, Sikkim Cooperative Milk Producers’ Union Ltd.; Dr. T.B. Ghatani, Managing Director of the same Union; and Dr. Hissey Doma Lepcha, Managing Director of North District Milk Union. They joined representatives of all Milk Unions and Federations from the region, contributing to wide-ranging discussions on challenges, achievements, and the roadmap ahead for dairy development.
In his special address, Dr. Shah drew upon his four decades of association with NDDB to reflect on the transformative journey of India’s dairy sector. He paid tribute to visionaries like Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Lal Bahadur Shastri, and Dr. Verghese Kurien, whose pioneering efforts helped India transition from a milk-deficient country to the world’s largest milk producer.
Calling on cooperative leaders to uphold the legacy of integrity, sincerity, and dedication, he stressed that dairying must continue to serve as an engine of rural growth and farmer empowerment.
The conclave featured rich experience-sharing sessions where participants reflected on the challenges faced in the formative years of dairy cooperatives, their present standing, and strategies to strengthen the sector in the future. Discussions underscored the need for modernization, product diversification, infrastructure expansion, and capacity building to meet growing consumer demand while ensuring sustained farmer benefits.
Highlighting Sikkim’s contribution, Union Chairman Yam Kumar Sharma addressed the gathering on the journey of the state’s dairy movement, recalling early difficulties and the progressive strides achieved over time. He emphasized that 2025 holds special significance as Sikkim celebrates 50 years of statehood, a milestone that coincides with renewed commitments in the dairy sector.
Key initiatives outlined included the revival of the historic Dentam Cheese Plant, establishment of a new 100 KLPD milk processing plant at Karfectar in Jorethang, and expansion of the Gangtok processing facility. He also announced the launch of new dairy products and traditional sweets, aimed at enhancing consumer choice and supporting farmer incomes.
On this occasion, the “Gaurav Gatha” (Glory Story of Sikkim Milk Union) was formally presented to Dr. Shah and Dr. Sabhyasakshi Roy, Regional Head of NDDB Kolkata. The publication chronicles the Union’s inspiring journey and its contribution to cooperative dairying in the state.
Dr. Roy, while delivering the Vote of Thanks, acknowledged the valuable contributions of Milk Unions, Federations, and dignitaries from across the region. He praised the cooperative leaders for their commitment to the cause of rural prosperity and reaffirmed NDDB’s resolve to support their efforts through policy, technical, and institutional guidance.
The conclave concluded on an optimistic note, with participants pledging to build upon the legacy of India’s dairy movement and to harness the power of cooperation for sustainable rural development.