According to Mr Singh, India ranks the largest milk producing nation accounting for 17 percent of the world’s dairy production. The total output of milk produced in the country was worth Rs. 3, 05,484 crore in 2011-12. There are more than 15 million farmers associated with 1,55 ,634 grass roots level milk cooperative societies across the country, claimed the union minister.
The minister called for speedy development of cooperative infrastructure as well as the restoration of ailing milk cooperative federations. The Nabard would offer all possible technical assistance in realizing the potential of the cooperative dairy sector focusing on the Operation Flood locations, Mr. Singh noted.
However, the minister said Indian milch animals have a lamentable record of milk yield. This problem could be solved through improvement of animals through genetic engineering and better nutrition, he said.
Mr. Singh said the government has begun a special plan to spike milk production through boosting productivity.
The Nabard chairman also spoke on the occasion and talked about the role the cooperative sector could play in poverty fighting in the countryside. Secretary, ministry of agriculture in his remarks stressed the importance of the extension machinery in the country.