Patna: Bihar has emerged as the top-performing state in the country in implementing and achieving the targets of the Dairy Through Cooperatives-JICA (DTC-JICA) Project, according to a review conducted during a regional workshop in Kolkata.
The workshop focused on promoting dairy development through cooperatives across Bihar and other eastern states. Topsart Kapil Ashok, Secretary, Department of Dairy, Fisheries and Animal Resources, Bihar, participated in the programme and highlighted the importance of trust and transparency in the sustainable development of dairy cooperatives.
Bihar Dairy Cooperatives Perform Above National Average
The workshop reviewed the implementation and achievements of DTC-JICA Phase-I.
The review found that Bihar’s milk unions performed exceptionally well in implementing the project and meeting its targets, emerging as the best-performing state at the national level.
During the regional review, the performance of COMFED and its affiliated milk unions was found to be above the national average in areas including:
- Milk procurement
- Marketing
- Strengthening milk processing infrastructure
- Improving animal productivity
The performance of Bihar’s dairy cooperatives in improving animal productivity was also appreciated during the review.
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Trust and Transparency Key to Dairy Cooperative Growth
Addressing the workshop, Topsart Kapil Ashok said that trust and transparency are the key foundations for the sustainable development of dairy cooperative societies.
Keeping these principles in focus, Bihar is implementing a Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mechanism for transferring milk procurement payments directly to the bank accounts of beneficiaries associated with COMFED and its affiliated milk unions.
The initiative is aimed at improving transparency and ensuring that dairy farmers receive their payments directly.
JICA-Supported Dairy Project Covers Eastern States
The workshop was organised under the Dairy Through Cooperatives-JICA (DTC-JICA) Project, which is supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) under Component B of the Government of India’s National Dairy Development Programme.
The event was organised by the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) and the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India.
Senior officials from cooperative dairy federations and milk unions from five eastern states participated in the workshop:
- Bihar
- West Bengal
- Jharkhand
- Odisha
- Chhattisgarh
Focus on Strengthening the Dairy Value Chain
Participants shared success stories, challenges and experiences related to the dairy value chain.
Key areas discussed included:
- Strengthening dairy cooperative networks
- Increasing milk procurement
- Improving cold-chain infrastructure
- Modernising facilities for value-added dairy products
- Enhancing animal productivity
The discussions aimed to identify successful practices that can be adopted to strengthen dairy cooperatives across the eastern region.
Stakeholders Discuss Dairy Development Phase-II
The workshop also held detailed discussions on the proposed Dairy Development Phase-II, based on the experience and lessons learned from Phase-I.
The second phase aims to extend the benefits of the initiative to more states while providing greater coverage and support to dairy cooperative societies.
Discussions focused on several proposed components of Phase-II, including:
- Funding pattern
- Eligibility criteria
- State-wise assessment of requirements
- Stakeholder consultations
- Proposed accreditation framework for the cooperative dairy sector
White Revolution 2.0 and Dairy Development Portal Reviewed
The meeting also reviewed state-wise progress in the formation and registration of new dairy cooperative societies under White Revolution 2.0.
Officials also examined the status of data updates on the Dairy Development Portal.
The discussions are expected to support better monitoring and expansion of cooperative dairy development initiatives across participating states.
Senior Officials Participate in Workshop
The workshop was attended by senior officials from dairy federations, milk unions and government departments.
Participants included Dipanjan Bhattacharya, Managing Director, West Bengal Cooperative Milk Producers Federation Limited; Dayanand Sawant, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India; and Rajesh Gupta, Managing Director, Jharkhand Milk Federation.
Managing Directors and senior officials from milk unions and federations across the eastern states, along with officials from the National Dairy Development Board, also participated in the workshop.
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