Additional Secretary of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) recently visited the National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI) in Karnal, Haryana. During the visit, he lauded the institute's significant contributions to the dairy sector, particularly in research, innovation, and technology transfer.
Recognition of NDRI's Work
The Additional Secretary commended NDRI for its pioneering work in dairy science and technology. He highlighted that the institute has played a crucial role in enhancing milk production, improving livestock breeds, and developing cost-effective feeding strategies. These efforts have directly benefited dairy farmers across India, boosting rural livelihoods and ensuring food security.
Key Achievements Highlighted
- Breed Improvement Programs: NDRI has developed high-yielding cattle breeds through selective breeding and artificial insemination, significantly increasing milk yield per animal.
- Feed and Nutrition Research: The institute has formulated balanced rations using locally available resources, reducing feed costs for farmers.
- Technology Transfer: NDRI has successfully disseminated technologies like biogas generation from dairy waste and value-added milk products, creating additional income streams for rural communities.
Impact on Dairy Sector
The DARE official noted that NDRI's research has directly contributed to India's position as the world's largest milk producer. The institute's farmer-centric approach has empowered smallholders, particularly women, through training programs and demonstration units. He urged NDRI to continue its focus on sustainable dairy farming practices, including climate-resilient strategies and digital innovations for herd management.
During the visit, the Additional Secretary toured various laboratories, experimental farms, and the institute's dairy plant. He interacted with scientists and students, encouraging them to pursue interdisciplinary research to address emerging challenges like antimicrobial resistance and environmental sustainability.
Future Directions
NDRI Director briefed the official about upcoming initiatives, including a center for precision dairy farming and collaboration with international research organizations. The institute also plans to expand its extension services through mobile apps and village-level knowledge centers. The DARE official assured continued support from the government for these endeavors, emphasizing the importance of public-private partnerships in scaling innovations.
The visit reaffirmed the critical role of NDRI in transforming India's dairy landscape and underscored the government's commitment to strengthening agricultural research infrastructure.
