In a landmark moment for Manipur’s dairy sector, Ajay Kumar Bhalla, Governor of Manipur, unveiled the new brand name and logo of the Manipur Milk Producers’ Co-operative Union Ltd. – now branded as ‘Manipur Dairy’ – at Raj Bhavan, Imphal. The rebranding marks a new chapter for the state’s dairy industry under the professional management of the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB).

The launch event was attended by Puneet Kumar Goel, Chief Secretary, Government of Manipur, Dr. Meenesh Shah, Chairman, NDDB, senior officials from the Government of Manipur, NDDB, and Manipur Dairy, as well as women dairy farmers representing cooperative societies.

The Governor also launched two new milk variants – Cow Special Milk (500 ml) and Health Plus Double Toned Milk (150 ml) – along with a portfolio of value-added dairy products including Probiotic Curd (400 gm & 100 gm), Special Lassi (200 ml), and Cow Ghee (250 gm & 500 gm). These products have been designed to address evolving consumer preferences for health, quality, and variety, while ensuring higher price realisation for milk producers.

In a strong push for digitalisation, the Governor virtually inaugurated NDDB’s Automated Milk Collection System (AMCS) and Dairy ERP platform, which will enable transparent, quality-based milk procurement and direct digital payments to farmers’ bank accounts. He also commissioned a 2 KL Bulk Milk Chilling Centre at Kakching to strengthen cold chain infrastructure and preserve milk quality.

Significantly, the Governor announced the formation of five new all-women Dairy Cooperative Societies in Kakching district under White Revolution 2.0, each equipped with Automated Milk Collection Units (AMCU) and digital banking facilities. This initiative is expected to empower rural women, promote entrepreneurship, and deepen community participation in Manipur’s dairy value chain.

Speaking on the occasion, Governor Bhalla lauded the rapid strides made under NDDB’s stewardship since the Government of Manipur handed over management of the Milk Union in April 2025. “Manipur has immense potential for dairying, with its favourable agro-climatic conditions and a cattle population of about 2.6 lakh,” he said. “In a short span, NDDB has brought in product innovation, strengthened governance, digitised procurement, and expanded infrastructure — laying a strong foundation for farmer prosperity and nutrition security.”

NDDB Chairman Dr. Meenesh Shah reaffirmed NDDB’s commitment to building a robust dairy ecosystem in Manipur. He highlighted that NDDB has extended Rs 3 crore as a grant and Rs 5 crore as an interest-free loan under the Revitalising Promising Producer-Owned Institutions (RPPOI) scheme to stabilise the Union’s operations, clear farmer dues, upgrade processing facilities, and ensure working capital. NDDB has also stationed senior officers in Imphal to oversee governance, operations, and product diversification.

Dr Shah further underlined NDDB’s efforts to waive management fees, conduct training and exposure visits for Manipur’s officials, and introduce best practices in fodder management, animal health, and manure utilisation. “By October 2025, Manipur Dairy will begin supplying milk to the Assam Rifles,” he announced. “This initiative will deliver quality nutrition to our armed forces while creating a stable market for our farmers.”

To strengthen its retail presence, the Union plans to roll out ‘Milk & More’ retail booths across Imphal and other key towns, improving consumer access and brand visibility. The rebranding of Manipur Dairy is expected to build stronger trust with consumers and position the cooperative as a dependable source of safe, nutritious milk and milk products.

“This is more than a rebranding exercise,” said Dr Shah. “It is a signal of transformation — towards self-reliance in milk production, sustainable livelihoods for farmers, and a healthier Manipur.”