The first phase of the National Dairy Plan has commenced in Maharashtra, which is among 14 major dairying States where work has begun. The Plan has an outlay of Rs 130.71 crore.

The National Dairy Plan (NDP) is a central sector scheme funded by the World Bank and being implemented by the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB). Discussions to roll out the scheme are at an advanced stage with Bihar.

“The National Steering Committee has approved an outlay of Rs 130.71 crore for the year 2012-13,” confirmed Amrita Patel, Chairman, National Dairy Development Board.

“The outlay covers 49 proposals, pertaining to progeny testing, pedigree selection, strengthening of semen stations and fodder development among others,” she added.

Village-based milk procurement systems from eight states — Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha and Maharashtra have also been approved by the project steering committee.

Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal are likely to be covered in a month’s time, she said.

A baseline survey has been completed in nine States and all the 14 major dairying States would be covered by end of the current financial year, Patel added.

A focused and scientific process to increase productivity of milch animals and thereby increase milk production to meet the rapidly growing demand for milk is being adopted under the NDP.

Cooperatives are also being supported to provide greater access between rural milk producers and the organised milk processing sector.

amritanair.ghaswalla@thehindu.co.in

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