New agreement aims to ensure a reliable supply of milk and dairy products to Assam Rifles units while creating greater market opportunities for dairy cooperatives and farmers across the Northeast.
The National Cooperative Dairy Federation of India Ltd. (NCDFI) and Assam Rifles have signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) to strengthen the supply of milk and milk products through India’s dairy cooperative network. The agreement, signed in New Delhi, marks a significant step towards enhancing the role of dairy cooperatives in meeting the nutritional requirements of Assam Rifles personnel while supporting the growth of the dairy sector in the Northeastern region.
The partnership builds upon successful supply arrangements established over the past year, during which dairy cooperatives supplied products such as UHT milk, whole milk powder, and fresh milk to Assam Rifles units. Encouraged by the consistent quality and reliability of these supplies, Assam Rifles has expanded the range of dairy products sourced through the cooperative network.
Under the expanded arrangement, products including malt-based food and cheese are being supplied by Amul, while fresh milk and butter are being sourced from dairy unions in Assam, Nagaland, West Bengal, and Rajasthan. The supplies are primarily intended for Assam Rifles units stationed across the Northeastern states, as well as establishments in Kolkata and New Delhi.
A key feature of the agreement is the involvement of dairy cooperatives from the Northeast in supplying fresh milk to Assam Rifles units across the region. The initiative is expected to strengthen local dairy value chains, improve market access for farmers, and encourage greater milk procurement from rural producers.
According to NCDFI, the arrangement is projected to generate business worth approximately ₹44 crore annually for participating dairy cooperatives. The assured institutional demand is expected to encourage investments in milk collection, chilling, transportation, and processing infrastructure, thereby supporting long-term dairy development in the region.
Officials from both organizations emphasized that the agreement goes beyond procurement and is designed to create sustainable livelihood opportunities for dairy farmers. By providing a dependable market for milk and dairy products, the initiative is expected to improve farmer incomes, strengthen cooperative institutions, and contribute to rural economic development across the Northeast.
The MoA also aligns with broader efforts to promote self-reliance and strengthen domestic supply chains. Through closer collaboration between national institutions and dairy cooperatives, the initiative is expected to enhance the availability of quality dairy products in remote and strategically important locations while supporting the growth of India’s cooperative dairy sector.