India’s Dairy Sector Embraces Digital Transformation
India’s dairy sector is undergoing a major digital transformation, driven by the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) through technology-driven initiatives aimed at improving transparency, efficiency, and farmer welfare across the value chain.
Key Highlights
Over 35.68 crore livestock tagged with uniquePashu Aadhaarunder the National Digital Livestock Mission.
17.3 lakh milk producersacross 54 milk unions benefit from automated milk collection.
198 milk unions and 15 federationsactively use the data-driveni-DIS platform.
GIS-based milk route optimisationreduces transport costs significantly.
End-to-end digital systems connect farmers, cooperatives, and distributors seamlessly.
Digital Platforms Modernising Dairy OperationsIndia, the world’s largest milk producer, is increasingly leveraging digital platforms to modernise dairy operations. NDDB has implemented multiple digital systems to strengthen traceability, enhance productivity, ensure fair and transparent payments, and enable evidence-based decision-making for cooperatives.
National Digital Livestock Mission (NDLM)Launched in partnership with the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), theNDLMaims to create a unified digital livestock ecosystem called“Bharat Pashudhan.”
Every animal receives a 12-digitbarcoded ear tag (Pashu Aadhaar)serving as a unique digital identity.
Tracks services like vaccination, breeding, artificial insemination, and treatment.
Over35.68 crore Pashu Aadhaarissued and more than84 crore transactionslogged.
Farmers access advisory services and schemes via the1962 mobile appand toll-free helpline.
Automatic Milk Collection System (AMCS)TheAMCSplatform ensures transparency and efficiency in milk procurement:
Digitally records milk quantity, quality, and fat content.
Provides instant payments to farmers and real-time SMS updates.
Covers over26,000 dairy cooperative societiesacross12 states/UTs, benefiting17.3 lakh milk producers.
Includes multilingual apps for farmers, secretaries, and supervisors, with2.43 lakh farmers registeredon the mobile platform.
NDDB Dairy ERP (NDERP)TheNDERPsystem streamlines dairy operations from milk collection to distribution:
Modules include finance, procurement, inventory, sales, HR, and manufacturing.
Integrated dashboards for data-driven decision-making.
Built on open-sourceERPNext, with no proprietary licensing costs.
Fully integrated with AMCS to create acow-to-consumer digital ecosystem, including distributor platformsiNDERPandmNDERP.
Semen Station Management System (SSMS)TheSSMSsupports artificial insemination infrastructure:
Covers the lifecycle of frozen semen dose production.
Used in38 graded semen stations, ensuring SOP compliance and biosecurity.
Integrated with national portals for complete traceability.
Modernisation implemented under the World Bank-fundedNational Dairy Plan-I.
Internet-Based Dairy Information System (i-DIS)Thei-DISplatform serves as a national data repository:
Participation includes198 milk unions, 29 marketing dairies, 54 cattle-feed plants, and 15 federations.
Supports strategic planning, policy formulation, and operational efficiency.
NDDB conducts regular capacity-building workshops for cooperative officials.
GIS-Based Milk Route OptimisationNDDB’sGIS-enabled route optimisationreduces logistics costs:
Maps milk collection routes digitally for data-backed planning.
Pilots in Vidarbha-Marathwada, Varanasi, Assam, Jharkhand, and Indore showed reduced distances, fuel consumption, and costs.
A web-based dynamic route planning tool is available free to cooperatives for real-time fleet optimisation.
Way ForwardBy integrating digital technologies across livestock management, milk procurement, processing, and logistics, NDDB is reshaping India’s dairy ecosystem. These initiatives enhance transparency, efficiency, and farmer empowerment, further strengthening India’s position as the world’s leading milk producer and supporting sustainable growth of the cooperative dairy sector.
