Ajay Kumar Bhalla, Governor of Manipur, unveiled the new brand name and logo of the Manipur Milk Producers’ Co-operative Union Ltd, now known as Manipur Dairy, at Raj Bhavan in Imphal. The rebranding marks a new beginning for the cooperative, reflecting its commitment to farmers and consumers under the professional management of the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB). The event was attended by Puneet Kumar Goel, Chief Secretary of the Government of Manipur, Dr. Meenesh Shah, Chairman of NDDB, senior officials from the state government and NDDB, representatives of Manipur Dairy, and women dairy farmers from cooperative societies.
During the ceremony, the Governor launched two new milk variants, Cow Special Milk in 500 ml packs and Health Plus Double Toned Milk in 150 ml packs, designed to meet consumer demand for quality and health-focused products. He also introduced a new range of value-added dairy products, including Probiotic Curd in 400 gm and 100 gm packs, Special Lassi in 200 ml packs, and Cow Ghee in 250 gm and 500 gm packs. These products are aimed at addressing the evolving tastes and nutritional needs of consumers while ensuring improved earnings for dairy farmers.
Alongside the brand and product launches, the Governor virtually inaugurated several initiatives that are expected to transform the dairy sector in the state. These included the rollout of NDDB’s Automated Milk Collection System (AMCS) and a Dairy ERP platform at Manipur Dairy. Both digital tools are designed to promote transparency, enable quality-based milk procurement, and support financial inclusion through direct digital payments into farmers’ bank accounts. He also inaugurated a 2 KL Bulk Milk Chilling Centre at Kakching to preserve milk quality and expand procurement opportunities in rural areas. In addition, the Governor announced the establishment of five new all-women Dairy Cooperative Societies in Kakching district under White Revolution 2.0. These cooperatives will be equipped with Automated Milk Collection Units and digital banking facilities to empower rural women, foster entrepreneurship, and strengthen community participation in the dairy sector.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Bhalla commended the progress made in dairy development under NDDB’s stewardship since the Government of Manipur handed over the management of the Manipur Milk Union to the Board in April 2025. He described the move as a turning point for the cooperative dairy movement in the state. Bhalla noted that Manipur, with its favourable agro-climatic conditions and cattle population of around 2.6 lakh, holds immense potential for dairying. He further observed that in a very short time, NDDB has introduced reforms and programmes that have begun to yield results. The introduction of new products, the establishment of women’s dairy cooperatives, the digitisation of procurement processes, and the expansion of infrastructure, he said, will raise farmer incomes and contribute to nutrition security and rural prosperity.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Meenesh Shah, chairman of NDDB, highlighted the support extended to revitalise Manipur Dairy. He stated that NDDB has provided financial and technical assistance, including a grant of Rs 3 crore and an interest-free loan of Rs 5 crore under the Revitalising Promising Producer-Owned Institutions (RPPOI) scheme. This financial aid has enabled the Union to clear long-pending farmer dues, upgrade processing facilities, and provide working capital. To ensure effective governance and sustainable growth, NDDB has deployed senior officers in Imphal to oversee operations and product diversification.
Dr Shah further informed that NDDB has waived management fees, supported training and exposure visits for Manipur officials to successful dairies in Anand, Jharkhand, and West Bengal, and introduced best practices in fodder development, animal health, and manure management. He announced that by October 2025, Manipur Dairy will commence milk supply to the Assam Rifles, linking the progress of the dairy sector with national service. This will provide quality nutrition to armed forces personnel while opening a stable and long-term market for dairy farmers in the state.
To further enhance consumer access and strengthen retail presence, the Union also plans to establish ‘Milk & More’ retail booths across Imphal and other towns. These outlets will increase visibility, improve the availability of products, and build stronger consumer trust in Manipur Dairy.
The Governor concluded by emphasising that these collective efforts represent an important milestone in Manipur’s journey toward self-reliance in milk production. He noted that the initiatives undertaken under NDDB’s guidance will not only raise farmer incomes but also contribute significantly to rural prosperity and nutrition security for the people of Manipur.