Governor Interacts with Director of National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI)
Governor seeks NDRI expertise to build a modern, farmer-centric dairy sector in Assam
Guwahati,Rongili Barta:Assam Governor Shri Lakshman Prasad Acharya today interacted with Director of the National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI), Dr. Dheer Singh, in New Delhi, with a focus on strengthening Assam’s dairy sector through grass root milk cooperativization, modern technology, institutional collaboration, high end skill development, greater milk producer-oriented support and scientific interventions.
The interaction was aimed at expediting an action plan in alignment with the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to strengthen the rural economy and enhance the income and livelihoods of farmers and milk producers. In keeping with this vision, Lok Bhavan has been undertaking sustained efforts towards making the dairy sector of Assam more organised, technology-driven, productive and farmer-centric.
During the interaction, the Governor emphasised the need to develop a robust dairy sector value chain in Assam encompassing production, processing, technology, skill development, market linkages and capacity building. He highlighted the importance of bringing modern dairy technologies and scientific knowledge closer to farmers and strengthening the institutional ecosystem supporting the sector.
The Governor sought the support and expertise of NDRI in undertaking a comprehensive assessment of the dairy sector in Assam and identifying areas for improvement. He requested NDRI to depute subject experts in different aspects of the dairy value chain to study the existing systems and provide technical recommendations for their further strengthening.
It was also proposed that subject experts from NDRI visit Assam, particularly the Assam Veterinary and Fishery University, to study the institutional arrangements relating to the dairy sector and suggest a clear roadmap for future development.
The Governor further highlighted the need to create focused skill-development programmes in the dairy sector in partnership with the Assam Skill Development Mission, with the objective of taking modern dairy technology, knowledge and practices to villages and equipping rural youth with employable skills and entrepreneurial opportunities.
The proposed collaboration would also facilitate sharing of tools, technologies, training modules and technical expertise, including the deployment of experts for specific periods, wherever required. Such knowledge and technology transfer, it was emphasised, would help strengthen grassroots-level dairy practices and improve productivity, quality and value addition.
The Governor expressed hope that NDRI would become a sustained knowledge partner of Assam in the development of its dairy sector, helping build a strong, modern and integrated dairy ecosystem that creates greater opportunities for farmers, rural youth and entrepreneurs.
It may be mentioned that, following the request of the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Assam, Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, the Hon’ble Governor has taken up the initiative for the development and strengthening of Assam’s dairy sector. As part of this initiative, a two-day conclave on the Development of Dairy, Animal Husbandry and Cooperatives in Assam was organised in November, bringing together stakeholders and experts to deliberate on strategies for advancing these sectors in a coordinated and sustainable manner.
Commissioner and Secretary to the Hon’ble Governor Shri S.S. Meenakshi Sundaram was also present during the interaction.