Conclave on Cooperative Dairying for Rural Prosperity
(Commemorating NDDB’s Diamond Jubilee - “Sahakar Se Samridhi”)
Date & Venue:
18th September 2025
Vedic Village Resort, Kolkata
Organized by:
Regional Office, NDDB Kolkata
Overview:
The event brought together Milk Unions and Federations from the Eastern and North Eastern regions of India to deliberate on the role of cooperatives in driving rural growth and prosperity through dairying.
Dignitaries:
The conclave was chaired by Dr. Meenesh Shah, Chairman, NDDB.
From Sikkim, the following leaders represented the state:
• Shri Yam Kumar Sharma, Chairman, Sikkim Cooperative Milk Producers’ Union Ltd.
• Dr. T. B. Ghatani, Managing Director, Sikkim Cooperative Milk Producers’ Union Ltd.
• Dr. Hissey Doma Lepcha, Managing Director, North District Milk Union.
Representatives from all Milk Unions and Federations of Eastern and North Eastern states also participated and shared their experiences.
Key Highlights:
Experience Sharing
Participants reflected on the challenges during the formative years of dairy cooperatives, their present status, and future perspectives for strengthening the sector.
Sikkim’s Contribution:
• The Chairman of Sikkim Milk Union shared the stage with the Chief Guest and other distinguished dignitaries.
• He addressed the conclave on the journey of Sikkim’s dairy movement — from its early challenges to progressive achievements.
• Key highlights included:
• Celebration of 50 years of Sikkim’s Statehood.
• Launch of new dairy products and traditional sweets.
• Ambitious future plans such as:
• Revival of the Dentam Cheese Plant.
• Establishment of a 100 KLPD milk processing plant at Karfectar, Jorethang.
• Expansion of the Gangtok processing plant.
On this occasion, the “Gaurav Gatha” (Glory Story of Sikkim Milk Union) was formally handed over to Dr. Meenesh Shah, Chairman, NDDB, and Dr. Sabhyasakshi Roy, Regional Head, NDDB Kolkata.
Special Addresses:
• Dr. Meenesh Shah, Chairman NDDB, delivered the keynote address, drawing from his 40 years of association with NDDB. He recalled the pioneering contributions of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri, Dr. Verghese Kurien, and other stalwarts who laid the foundation for transforming India from a milk-deficient nation to the world’s largest milk producer. He urged the cooperatives to carry forward this legacy with dedication, sincerity, and integrity.
• Dr. Sabhyasakshi Roy, Regional Head NDDB Kolkata, proposed the Vote of Thanks, acknowledging the valuable participation of all Milk Unions, Federations, and dignitaries present on and off the dais.
