Rajiv Ranjan Singh Unveils New Dairy Initiatives in Mizoram

Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh announced initiatives in Mizoram to boost the cooperative dairy sector. Changes include a revised funding pattern and collaboration with the NDDB to provide quality cattle breeds and feed. Singh emphasized federal support and local commitment for successful implementation.

Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh has announced a series of initiatives to strengthen Mizoram's cooperative dairy sector.

During his visit to the Mizoram Milk Producers' Cooperative Union Limited (MULCO) dairy at Thuampui in Aizawl on Monday, Singh, the Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying and Panchayati Raj, said that milk production in Mizoram remains insufficient to meet local demand and urged local farmers and officials to work with renewed commitment.

He said that Mizoram should not lag behind other northeastern states in dairy development.

Singh announced that the Centre has revised the Central funding pattern for dairy development projects from 75:25 to 90:10, significantly reducing the financial burden on the state government and helping accelerate developmental works.

He said that milk processing plants and village-level milk procurement systems would continue to be upgraded.

In collaboration with the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), quality cattle breeds through Artificial Insemination and improved cattle feed (fodder) would be made more accessible to farmers, he said.

MULCO products manufactured within Mizoram, including paneer, rasmalai, and ghee, would also be marketed more extensively in Aizawl and nearby markets, he said.

During the visit, the Union Minister inaugurated the Mizo café and the FPO office-cum-sales outlet at the MULCO dairy premises.

He also inspected the dairy processing plant, where NDDB officials briefed him on plans to upgrade the existing 20 TLPD milk processing facility, according to officials.

Singh emphasised that the Central Government is committed to providing maximum support for the development of the Northeast, but said that the real success of these initiatives depends on the dedication of the state governments and farmers.

During the visit, he also launched several initiatives and products, including MULCO cow ghee, baled silage, type-II cattle feed, dewormers and mineral mixture products, officials said.

The programme was attended by Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, and Minority Affairs George Kurian, Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, and Panchayati Raj S. P. Singh Baghel.

Mizoram's Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Minister C. Lalsawivunga, Cooperation Minister P. C. Vanlalruata, Fisheries Minister Lalthansanga, alongside senior state government officials, representatives of NDDB, MULCO officials, cooperative members and farmers also attended the programme.