Punjab Dairy Development Board: Empowering Punjab’s Dairy Sector

The Punjab Dairy Development Board (PDDB) was established under the Punjab Dairy Development Board Act, 2000 with the vision to develop Punjab into a national leader in dairy farming. The Board has been instrumental in driving the modernization and expansion of the dairy industry in the state, utilizing scientific methods and fostering cooperation among various stakeholders in the dairy ecosystem. Its mandate is to ensure that milk producers receive fair returns on their labor and investments while also promoting the profitability and sustainability of the milk industry.

Vision and Mission

The PDDB envisions Punjab as a leader in dairy farming across India. To achieve this, its mission focuses on promoting the expansion of dairy farming, increasing milk production, and ensuring the productivity of milch animals. Another key priority is to maintain and improve the quality of milk to meet both domestic and international standards.

Key Functions of the Board

The PDDB serves as an apex body, guiding the development of the dairy sector by laying down policies, implementing programs, and conducting research. Some of its important functions include:

• Policy Formulation: The PDDB develops strategies for genetic improvement of milch animals, quality enhancement of milk products, and the introduction of modern technology.
• Research and Development: It undertakes research projects aimed at increasing dairy productivity and quality, ensuring Punjab remains competitive on a global scale.
• Collaboration: The Board collaborates with state, national, and international organizations to market milk and dairy products and promote exports.
• Dairy Farming Modernization: The PDDB introduces advanced dairy farming systems to ensure high-quality milk production and socio-economic upliftment for milk producers.

Schemes and Support for Farmers

The PDDB offers several schemes to support dairy farmers in Punjab:

• Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Limit: Provides farmers with access to financial resources to support dairy activities.
• Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme: Supports small-scale food processing units, including dairy units.
• Silage Bailer Subsidy Scheme: Offers financial assistance for mechanization, such as automatic silage bailers and wrappers.
• National Livestock Mission (NLM) Scheme: Promotes the sustainable development of livestock through subsidies and assistance.

In addition, the Board offers insurance schemes for cattle feed and other beneficial programs for dairy farmers, ensuring risk mitigation in dairy farming operations.

Training and Extension Services

The PDDB has established Dairy Training and Extension Centers across Punjab to empower dairy farmers through knowledge and skill development.

1. Four Weeks Dairy Training Program: Aimed at making farmers self-sufficient, this program covers farm management techniques, artificial insemination, pregnancy diagnosis, and milk handling. Over 1,000 farmers are trained annually.
2. Two Weeks Dairy Training Program: More than 6,000 rural youth receive training each year under this program, helping them gain employment and build dairy businesses.
3. Milk Producer Awareness Camps: These one-day camps are organized in every block, training more than 25,000 participants annually on modern dairy practices.

Financial Assistance and Mechanization

The PDDB facilitates the establishment of dairy units, securing institutional finance of around ₹200 crores annually to support new dairy farms. Additionally, farmers are encouraged to adopt modern dairy technologies, with subsidies of up to ₹5.60 lakhs for mechanized equipment like automatic silage bailers.

Exposure Visits and Need-Based Training

To ensure continuous improvement in the sector, the PDDB organizes exposure visits for farmers to successful dairy farms, institutes, and training centres within and outside the state. Furthermore, the Board provides specialized, need-based training in areas like milk testing and milk procurement, aimed at enhancing the capacities of dairy processors and milk producers.

Milk Producers’ Training and Extension Service Programme

Launched in 2014-15, this program targets small and backyard milk producers, often located in remote villages, by bringing extension services directly to them. It aims to cover 1,000 villages annually and reach around 80,000-90,000 milk producers, ensuring that no one is left behind in the drive to improve dairy farming practices.

Conclusion

The Punjab Dairy Development Board has been pivotal in transforming Punjab’s dairy industry into a modern, globally competitive sector. By offering financial support, modern technology, and comprehensive training programs, the PDDB continues to promote sustainable development, ensure the prosperity of milk producers, and improve the overall quality and productivity of milk in the state.

With its vision firmly set on making Punjab a national leader in dairy farming, the PDDB is enhancing the local dairy industry and contributing to the state’s socio-economic growth.