NDDB starts upgradation of Surendranagar, Bhuj dairies

National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) seems to be stepping up its operations in Gujarat. NDDB has taken up upgradation of Surendranagar and Bhuj dairies. In addition to this, it is also expanding the capacity of its Junagadh dairy.

The dairy plant at Bhuj in Kutch district is being refurbished currently. "The new dairy with a capacity of 50,000 litres per day will be commissioned soon at Bhuj," said NDDB officials. The Bhuj unit was damaged during the earthquake in 2001.

NDDB, which recently started operations in Surendranagar district, has also initiated process to upgrade Surendranagar dairy to handle 4 lakh litres of milk per day. Around Rs. 2 crore will be pumped in for revamping this dairy. NDDB is organising Milk Producers Institutions (MPIs) at village level. "Three bulk milk coolers will be installed initially at Surendranagar, Chotila and Halvad," the official added.

Following tripartite agreement among Gujarat government, NDDB and Gujarat Dairy Development Corporation, NDDB was handed over one cattle feed plant and six dairies, including Junagadh, Surendranagar and Bhuj dairies. The board upgraded Junagadh dairy in the first phase and now it is doubling the capacity of its Junagadh plant to 6 lakh litres per day from current 3 lakh litres, which it procures from Junagadh, Jamnagar, Kutch, Porbandar and Amreli areas.

NDDB has also organised two veterinary routes to provide animal health services in the milk collection areas. Other technical services like providing cattle feed, ration balancing, artificial insemination services and loan for purchase of animal will commence soon.