Consumers in India will now have a wider variety with the full-scale dismantling of the remaining import curbs at one stroke in the Export-Import (Exim) Policy for 2001-02 announced by the Government of India on March 31, 2001. It signals the domestic industry to shape up or ship out as they will have to compete with global players.
Quantitative restrictions (QRs) have been removed on the import of baby food, SMP, WMP, butter, dairy spreads, ghee, fresh and other cheeses, including processed cheese. These dairy products are among the 715 items on which QRs has been lifted. In addition, import of second-hand capital goods, including equipment, that are less than ten years old will be allowed without obtaining any licence.
The range of basic import duty on the dairy products listed is from 35 to 60 per cent (which can be raised to 120 per cent bound rate duty, if necessary). Any amount of butter and cheese can now be imported on payment of the prescribed customs duty.
The Exim Policy has also made it clear that all imported edible/food products would have to meet the conditions of the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954 and Rules, 1955 which are currently applicable to products that are manufactured and sold in India. They lay down the definitions and standards of quality for all food commodities. Some of the PFA regulations also deal with labelling requirement, the use of permitted natural and synthetic colours and flavouring agents. It is also mandatory to print the "best before date" along with the month and year. The Act also provides for sampling, inspection and confiscation of food items, along with prescribed penalties for violation. Compliance with these conditions is to be ensured before allowing Customs clearance of the consignment.
Also, all farm commodities and food items will also have to meet the Indian regulations covering health and hygiene. In addition, India's Ministry of Agriculture will issue a bio-safety and SPS (Sanitary and Phyto-Sanitary) permit that will have to be produced before the Customs Officer.
A Standing Group comprising Secretaries of Ministries of Commerce, Revenue, SSI & ARI, Animal Husbandry and Dairying and DGFT would function as a 'war-room' for tracking, collating and analysing data on some 300 "sensitive items of importance to the public". These include dairy products. Every month, the Government would publish a monthly statement about import-status of these items.
The removal of QRs, however, would not leave the Government of India completely exposed. It would still retain three options - import duties, anti-dumping steps and safeguard measures. In the event of unfair trade practices like dumping or subsidization of exports by other countries that may cause injury to the domestic industry, protection under safeguard provisions like the enhancement of import duty, re-imposing of QRs as per WTO regulation, etc, will be available.
The new Exim Policy also places emphasis on promotion of agricultural exports including an appropriate agricultural export policy and launch of Agri Economic Zones, besides extending the Exim schemes such as the Duty Exemption Scheme and the Export Promotion Capital Goods Scheme (EPCG) to the agro sector as well. Yet another step is the Market Access Initiative to underpin industry in R&D, market research, specific market and products studies, warehousing and retail marketing infrastructure in select countries and direct market promotion activity and buyer-seller meets.
For any specific details, please write to: news@IndiaDairy.com
Quantitative restrictions (QRs) have been removed on the import of baby food, SMP, WMP, butter, dairy spreads, ghee, fresh and other cheeses, including processed cheese. These dairy products are among the 715 items on which QRs has been lifted. In addition, import of second-hand capital goods, including equipment, that are less than ten years old will be allowed without obtaining any licence.
The range of basic import duty on the dairy products listed is from 35 to 60 per cent (which can be raised to 120 per cent bound rate duty, if necessary). Any amount of butter and cheese can now be imported on payment of the prescribed customs duty.
The Exim Policy has also made it clear that all imported edible/food products would have to meet the conditions of the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954 and Rules, 1955 which are currently applicable to products that are manufactured and sold in India. They lay down the definitions and standards of quality for all food commodities. Some of the PFA regulations also deal with labelling requirement, the use of permitted natural and synthetic colours and flavouring agents. It is also mandatory to print the "best before date" along with the month and year. The Act also provides for sampling, inspection and confiscation of food items, along with prescribed penalties for violation. Compliance with these conditions is to be ensured before allowing Customs clearance of the consignment.
Also, all farm commodities and food items will also have to meet the Indian regulations covering health and hygiene. In addition, India's Ministry of Agriculture will issue a bio-safety and SPS (Sanitary and Phyto-Sanitary) permit that will have to be produced before the Customs Officer.
A Standing Group comprising Secretaries of Ministries of Commerce, Revenue, SSI & ARI, Animal Husbandry and Dairying and DGFT would function as a 'war-room' for tracking, collating and analysing data on some 300 "sensitive items of importance to the public". These include dairy products. Every month, the Government would publish a monthly statement about import-status of these items.
The removal of QRs, however, would not leave the Government of India completely exposed. It would still retain three options - import duties, anti-dumping steps and safeguard measures. In the event of unfair trade practices like dumping or subsidization of exports by other countries that may cause injury to the domestic industry, protection under safeguard provisions like the enhancement of import duty, re-imposing of QRs as per WTO regulation, etc, will be available.
The new Exim Policy also places emphasis on promotion of agricultural exports including an appropriate agricultural export policy and launch of Agri Economic Zones, besides extending the Exim schemes such as the Duty Exemption Scheme and the Export Promotion Capital Goods Scheme (EPCG) to the agro sector as well. Yet another step is the Market Access Initiative to underpin industry in R&D, market research, specific market and products studies, warehousing and retail marketing infrastructure in select countries and direct market promotion activity and buyer-seller meets.
For any specific details, please write to: news@IndiaDairy.com
Indian Milk Products Export Regulation Order
The Government of India has notified an order for regulating the exports of milk products from India that calls for subjecting them to quality control inspection prior to their export. These rules aim to help develop India's dairy export. It takes into account the demands and requirements of the world dairy market with the regard to such factors as quality, health requirements, management practices and processing norms.
This comprehensive order bears the title of "Exports of Milk Products (Quality Control, Inspection and Monitoring) Rules 2000" and has come into effect last month from December 12, 2000.
It covers animal health, hygiene in milking production, collection, storage and transportation. It also specifies levels of residues permissible in milk products, microbiological criteria for milk products, packaging, marketing and labelling, storage and transportation requirements, as well as management of herds and dairy plant, employee hygiene and the like.
These rules also mark an important step in upgrading the dairy trade within India and bringing about quality consciousness at all levels of dairying -- from producer to the consumer.
The Government of India has notified an order for regulating the exports of milk products from India that calls for subjecting them to quality control inspection prior to their export. These rules aim to help develop India's dairy export. It takes into account the demands and requirements of the world dairy market with the regard to such factors as quality, health requirements, management practices and processing norms.
This comprehensive order bears the title of "Exports of Milk Products (Quality Control, Inspection and Monitoring) Rules 2000" and has come into effect last month from December 12, 2000.
It covers animal health, hygiene in milking production, collection, storage and transportation. It also specifies levels of residues permissible in milk products, microbiological criteria for milk products, packaging, marketing and labelling, storage and transportation requirements, as well as management of herds and dairy plant, employee hygiene and the like.
These rules also mark an important step in upgrading the dairy trade within India and bringing about quality consciousness at all levels of dairying -- from producer to the consumer.
NDDB plans three fold rise in milk procurement
The National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) has drawn up a blueprint for strengthening the cooperative dairy sector. Perspective 2010, as the plan is called, envisaged that milk procurement by cooperatives will increase from the current level of 5.75 million tonnes to 17.8 million tonnes by 2010. The number of dairy cooperative societies will increase from 84,289 to 1,29,480 while membership will increase from 10.62 million to 15.62 million. Milk marketing is expected to rise from the current 4.7 million tonnes to 14 million tonnes.
According to the NDDB Annual Report for 1999-2000 released recently, Perspective 2010 was prepared after NDDB carried out extensive planning exercises with milk cooperative unions and federations across the country. It emphasizes four thrust areas: Strengthening the Cooperative Framework, Productivity Enhancement, Quality and Plant Management and National Information Network.
Thirty-four projects valued at around Rs 2,900 million are currently under execution. In the pipeline are a further 150 projects ranging from expansion of existing processing facilities to setting up of major new dairy plants.
The NDDB Board has already approved the revised lending terms of Perspective 2010. While loans at a very reasonable interest rate are available for building processing capacities, activities related to human resource development, productivity enhancement, quality control and building a national information network will be funded as interest free loans and/or with matching grants.
Currently, research in animal breeding, genetics, nutrition and health are being carried out by the Productivity Enhancement Group. It continued to support the efforts of the cooperatives in enhancing milk production. The Quality Assurance Group worked with cooperatives and unions to identify and address key stages in the quality process, confirming that significant gains can be achieved. Accordingly, 90 per cent of the milk reaching consumers from the cooperatives will be from ISO Certified dairy plants by the year 2010.
The National Information Network Group has initiated development of software and hardware that will link village cooperatives, unions and federations with the NDDB. It has also conducted a number of baseline studies in key milksheds. All cooperative unions will be linked to and through an internet Dairy Information System. About 75 per cent of the unions will use computerised data processing in all major functional areas.
The Perspective 2010 targets call for increased geographical spread, organization of new cooperatives and strengthening of old ones, expanded services and enhanced market.
The 45 cooperative feed plants affiliated to various unions also produced 1.4 million tonnes of cattle feed in 1999-2000, thereby meeting about 50 per cent of the country's supply. It is targetted to increase the daily cattle feed production from 4,066 tonnes to 8,628 tonnes by 2010.
Even though the goals are challenging, NDDB's partnership with federations and unions is well placed to spearhead, a thrust of this magnitude. However, achievement of these objectives will depend in part on an environment where cooperatives can function in a competitive, liberalized economy with the same autonomy and accountability as other forms of enterprise. Also important to success will be favourable trade policies, climatic conditions and the availability of human and material resources.
Thirty six years after NDDB's founding, a nationwide network of dairy cooperatives serves more than 10 million farmers in over 80,000 villages. More than Rs 50,000 million flows back to the milk producers through their cooperatives each year.
At the World Dairy Summit 2000 held in Dresden (Germany) from 16-20 September 2000, Philippe Jachnik, Head of Professional and International Relations at the French Dairy Processors' Association (ATLA), was elected unanimously to a four year term as President of the International Dairy Federation (IDF).
Philippe Jachnik succeeds Jerry Kozak, CEO or the American National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), who was elected in 1996 in Johannesburg. During his Presidency, the IDF's structures and methods of work were profoundly altered and modernized in the context of a Strategic Plan implemented in 1999.
Philippe Jachnik, 51 years old, joined the dairy sector in 1980 when he became Secretary of the European Dairy Association (EDA, which was called Assilec at the time) for a five year period. He was then employed by the FNCL (French Dairy Cooperatives) where he became the Deputy Director, before being taken on at ATLA when it was founded early in the 1990's.
Mastering several languages, Philippe Jachnik, MBA Insead 1979, has done graduate and post-graduate studies in France (IEP Strasbourg), Belgium (College of Europe, Bruges) and Sweden (International Graduate School, Stockholm).
In the nearly 100 years of its existence (the IDF was founded in 1903), this is the second time that a Frenchman has been elected to the office of President. The first time was from 1959 to 1964 when Andre-Marie Guerault, Vice-President of the FNIL (Federation des Industriels Laitiers frangais -- French Dairy Industry Federation -- which, with the FNCL (Federation des Cooperatives Laitieres -- French Dairy Cooperatives Federation) founded ATLA in the early 1990's.
The IDF's mission is to promote and enhance the image, trade, production and consumption of milk and milk products worldwide by collecting and disseminating scientific, technical and economic information and providing a platform for meaningful exchange of professional knowledge and discussion.
The IDF takes up issues that are of priority importance to its 41 National Committees and to the dairy sector. It aims at:
Mastering several languages, Philippe Jachnik, MBA Insead 1979, has done graduate and post-graduate studies in France (IEP Strasbourg), Belgium (College of Europe, Bruges) and Sweden (International Graduate School, Stockholm).
In the nearly 100 years of its existence (the IDF was founded in 1903), this is the second time that a Frenchman has been elected to the office of President. The first time was from 1959 to 1964 when Andre-Marie Guerault, Vice-President of the FNIL (Federation des Industriels Laitiers frangais -- French Dairy Industry Federation -- which, with the FNCL (Federation des Cooperatives Laitieres -- French Dairy Cooperatives Federation) founded ATLA in the early 1990's.
The IDF's mission is to promote and enhance the image, trade, production and consumption of milk and milk products worldwide by collecting and disseminating scientific, technical and economic information and providing a platform for meaningful exchange of professional knowledge and discussion.
The IDF takes up issues that are of priority importance to its 41 National Committees and to the dairy sector. It aims at:
- being the foremost point of contact for dairy matters worldwide.
- providing credible, quality service to all our audiences in a timely way.
The IDF publishes a Bulletin and organizes a range of Conferences or Symposia. Currently, it is in the process of setting up a comprehensive Intranet (which will be developed further into an Extranet).
The IDF cooperates with numerous international structures and organizations, including the Codex Alimentarius, arising from the FAO (Rome) and the WHO (Geneva).
For more information about IDF, kindly visit:
http://www.fil-idf.org
The IDF cooperates with numerous international structures and organizations, including the Codex Alimentarius, arising from the FAO (Rome) and the WHO (Geneva).
For more information about IDF, kindly visit:
http://www.fil-idf.org
NDDB-Zambia MoU on dairy developmentThe Union Cabinet has given its approval to the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between India's National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) and the Zambian government for increasing cooperation in the field of development of dairy products.
The MoU seeks to encourage cooperation in the field of dairy science and technology with the objective of increasing dairy production. The objective would be achieved through engagement of joint activities in the areas of dairy development including milk production, procurement, processing, marketing, biotechnology and management of dairy cooperatives.
Amul Says Cheese to the Cyber WorldThe Anand-based Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd (GCMMF), India's largest food products marketing organization, has embarked upon a major e-marketing plan with a focus on increasing its sales and customer reach in India. The plan envisages formation of new Amul Icecream Cyberstores in 100 cities, launch of Amul Cyber clubs in 125 cities, and create four global e-commerce hubs in US, Dubai, India and Singapore. In addition, it will also upgrade gifting services and to evolve the Amul family site as a customized portal for kids, teens and homemakers. GCMMF has already launched Amul Cyberstore in USA in March 1999 and similar cyberstore in India in June 1999. It has launched www.AmulMail.com in September 1999.
National Productivity Awards for DairiesThe Hon'ble Vice-President of India, Mr Krishan Kant, presented awards to Mother Dairy (Delhi), Gokul Dairy (Kolhapur), Baroda Dairy (Baroda) and TIMUL (Muzaffarpur) at the recent 15th National Productivity Awards function held in New Delhi.
The Mother Dairy, Delhi has won the Best Productivity Award (1997-98) third time in a row in the dairy and development production sector. Kolhapur Zilla Sahakari Dudh Utpadak Sangh Ltd (Gokul Dairy), Kolhapur, Maharashtra, has won the Certificate of Merit (1997-98), 13th award in succession, in the category of animal feed processing industry. The Baroda District Cooperative Milk Producers Union Ltd, Baroda, Gujarat, received the award for the Best Dairy Products Unit. The Tirhut Dugdh Utpadak Sahakari Sangh Ltd (TIMUL), Muzaffarpur, Bihar, was given the Best Productivity Award (1998-99) in the category of dairy processing industry and the Certificate of Merit (1997-98) in dairy development and production sector.
GCMMF in strategic alliance with CAMPCOIndia's Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd (GCMMF) is finalizing a deal with the Rs 200-crore Mangalore-based CAMPCO Ltd, a cooperative of arecanut farmers in Karnataka and Kerala (South India). The strategic alliance will give GCMMF access to an additional 3,000 tonnes of cocoa beans and enable it to expand its chocolate business, tripling its current capacity of 1,500 tonnes. The move marks a comeback for GCMMF's Amul brand chocolates after it was edged out of reckoning by competitors Nestle and Cadbury with aggressive product launches and promotions. Post-tieup, the company intends to come out with a wider range, more flavours and better quality of chocolates -- with the Amul name.
Keventer ties-up with Vijaya for UHT MilkKeventer Agro Limited (KAL), Calcutta, the joint venture partner of India's National Dairy Development Board in Metro Dairy Ltd, Calcutta, has tied up with the Andhra Pradesh Dairy Development Cooperative Federation Ltd (Vijaya), Hyderabad, to foray into the UHT milk in Tetra Pak. For the century-old company, which pioneered the speciality food chains and dairy products in India, it is a second time foray into the segment. The company has tied up with Vijaya for launching the 100 per cent pure UHT milk and plans to set up its own plant in Calcutta in the future.
Hindustan Lever Ltd sets up softy kiosksHindustan Lever Ltd (HLL) will mark its entry into the softy ice cream segment by setting up softy kiosks in all major metros of India starting with Chennai (Madras). Traditionally, the domain of small time restaurants and independent outlets, the concept of branding was largely absent in the softy segment. HLL Kwality Wall's will be the first national player to offer softy at Rs 5 per cone. Through its softy business, HLL seeks to double the size of the organized ice cream market in India in a couple of years. This market is currently valued at Rs 10,000 million.
Bengal Nestor's to set up two dairy farms in West BengalBengal Nestor's Industries Ltd (BNIL), a 51:49 per cent joint venture between Purusottam Jalan and West Bengal Industrial Development Corporation (WBIDC), will set up two dairy-cum-model farms in West Bengal in Eastern India. The total capital outlay for both projects is estimated at Rs 300 million. The first such farm is at Aushgram in Bardhaman District of West Bengal. The second project at Panskura in Midnapore district is expected to come up by the end of 2001.
Wells Blue Bunny unveils ice-cream rangeThe US-based $600 million Wells Blue Bunny, a leading ice-cream manufacturer has announced its plans to launch its product range in India's western and southern markets. After test-marketing the range in New Delhi, the company has now launched its new range of frozen desserts and ice-creams in Mumbai (Bombay). Sno Shack Frozen Foods, the marketing partner of Blue Bunny, has plans to import over 25 varieties of exotic novelties, frozen desserts and diet special ice-creams of Blue Bunny into India. It is targeted at the premium segment with the price ranging between Rs 20 for an ice-candy and Rs 450 for half-gallon (1.89 litres). The cups are available at Rs 30 for a 118-ml of serving.
R.C. Chadha, new Chairman of CLFMAMr R C Chadha, Chairman & Managing Director of Poshak Feeds Pvt Ltd, Hyderabad, was unanimously elected as the Chairman of CLFMA for the year 2000-2001 at the recent 33rd Annual General Body Meeting of the CLFMA (Compound Livestock Feed Manufacturers' Association of India) held in Pune. Dr K Srinivasan, General Manager (R&D) of Goldmohur Foods & Feeds Ltd, Bangalore (100% subsidiary of Hindustan Lever Ltd); and, Dr Sanjay Dronawat, Director of Yarana Feeds & Farms, Hubli (Karnataka) were elected unanimously as the Deputy Chairmen of CLFMA. At the first meeting of the newly elected Managing Committee, Mr C Vasanthkumar, Managing Director of Komarla Feeds & Foods Pvt Ltd, Miraj (Maharashtra), was elected unanimously as the Honorary Secretary to CLFMA. Dr S V Vaidya, the retiring Chairman of CLFMA & Chief Executive, Agro Division of Nav Maharashtra Chakan Oil Mills Ltd would be the Ex-Officio member of the Managing Committee.
42nd National Symposium of CLFMAThe Compound Livestock Feed Manufacturer's Association of India (CLFMA), the Indian feed manufacturers' representative body, organized its 42nd National Symposium on "Global Trends in Animal Nutritional Technologies" on September 16, 2000 in Pune, Maharashtra State of Western India.
The Symposium had two technical sessions. The first session was chaired by Dr B V Rajmane. Three speakers from India and abroad made presentations -- Dr Rangesh Paramesh, Medical Advisor (R&D Centre), The Himalaya Drug Co, Bangalore, on "Role of Herbs in Animal Nutrition"; Dr Roelof Raterink, Director (Research & Technology), Provimi Holding, Brussels, Belgium, on "Animal Nutrition in the Twenty-First Century"; and, Dr Naheeda Khan, Marketing Manager (Feed Enzymes), Novo Nordisk Enzymes Ltd, Bagsvaerd, Denmark on "Recent Developments in the Use of Enzymes in Animal Feeds".
The second technical session was chaired by Dr P A Deore. The three speakers who made presentations at this Session were: Dr Friedhelm Brinkhaus, Manager (Research & Ops), Kemin Bio-Technology Inc, Iowa, USA on "Sourcing and Application of Genetic Material for Animal Nutrition"; Dr Isabelle Brongniart, Nutritionist, Guyomrch Nutrition Animale, France; and, Dr Royce A Samford, Agricultural Consultant (Animal Nutrition), USA on "Current Trends in Indian Livestock Nutrition and Management".
There were very active, thought-provoking and prolonged deliberations by participants at the two technical sessions, which provided ample scope for sharing of knowledge and information.
KK Cans enters bulk milk cooler marketKhambete Kothari Cans & Allied Products Pvt Ltd, India's largest manufacturer of aluminium alloy milk cans, has entered the bulk milk cooler market through a tie-up with FIC SpA of Italy.
The Jalgaon (Maharashtra)-based company is already marketing bulk coolers in the country under the `frigomilk' brand. A wide range of capacities from 100 litres to 14,000 litres are being offered. The cooler tanks come in vertical open-type, horizontal open-type as well as cylindrical closed tank type designs. Presently, only the condensers are being fabricated here and the entire stainless steel tank is being imported from Italy. A separate joint venture company with FIC SpA will be set up in early 2001 for manufacturing the seamless tanks in India. The bulk milk cooler segment already has major players such as DeLaval Ltd (formerly Alfa Laval Agri (India), Pune; Indo Stainless Fabtech Pvt Ltd, Chennai; Praj Industries Ltd, Pune; and, Westfalia Separator India Pvt Ltd, New Delhi.
With a Rs 150-million turnover, KKCAP currently has a 60 per cent share in the domestic milk can market. It has recently begun manufacturing stainless steel milk cans, with capacities ranging from 5 to 50 litres. The company also plans to soon enter the production of automatic milking machines, to complement its existing milk can and bulk cooler business.
Write-up on Indian Milk ProductsDairy/food specialists and organizations in the public, cooperative and private sectors in India and abroad engaged in the scientific production of traditional milk products are invited to document their experience for publication in the forthcoming reference book on the Technology of Indian Milk Products, now being readied for the press.
Data and other significant aspects of traditional milk products by way of information on products, equipment/processes developed may also be sent for inclusion in the reference book. A Who's Who section in it will publish profile and achievements of leading dairy players. The type of information we are seeking includes the following:
(a) Technical and economic characteristic of ethnic dairy products, including its composition, origin, uses and the size and share of market;
(b) Process details of upgraded technology in use;
(c) Development/adaptation of new ethnic products, equipment, packaging, quality control, etc;
(d) List of dairy units in India and abroad engaged in the production of ethnic dairy products like ghee, kheer (milk-rice pudding) and other traditional dairy desserts and other sweets. Their production may be in addition to other products like liquid milk, cheese, butter, etc; and,
(e) A list of centres where R&D work in this field is being carried out, with their address and the name of scientist-in-charge.
This reference compendium aims to serve as a practical guide to recommended manufacturing practices, benefitting dairy producers, extension workers, professionals and entrepreneurs as well as a reference book for R & D scientists, students and scholars.
The compilation work on the reference book was started in 1997 at the initiative of a group of senior dairy professionals headed by Dr R.P. Aneja, a noted international dairy consultant and formerly Managing Director, National Dairy Development Board (NDDB). Its other four co-authors are: Dr B.N. Mathur, Director, National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI), Karnal; Dr R.C. Chandan, President, Global Technologies, Inc, Min, USA; Mr A.K. Banerjee, formerly Director (Engineering), NDDB; and, Prof L.K. Vaswani, Institute of Rural Management (IRMA), Anand.
Further details can be had from: The Editor, Technology of Indian Milk Products, c/o Dairy India, A-25 Priyadarshini Vihar, Delhi 110092; Phones: (011) 2243326, 2045681, Telefax: (011) 2243039, Email: yearbook@vsnl.com or from the website at:
http://www.IndiaDairy.com/impbook.html.
http://www.IndiaDairy.com/impbook.html.
"IndiaDairy.com" or "Dairy India Yearbook" will not be held responsible for the comments or advice given under this section. We trust the information we have provided is useful to you.
Reference to any specific commercial product, process, or service does not constitute endorsement, recommendation, or preference by "IndiaDairy.com" or by "Dairy India Yearbook"
Amrita Patel conferred Padma Bhusan
The President of India, Shri K R Narayanan conferred on Dr Amrita Patel, Chairman, National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), the Padma Bhusan at a glittering function in New Delhi in the presence of a distinguished gathering. Dr Patel receives this award for her contributions in the field of dairying and specially for her role in shaping Operation Flood.
The President of India, Shri K R Narayanan conferred on Dr Amrita Patel, Chairman, National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), the Padma Bhusan at a glittering function in New Delhi in the presence of a distinguished gathering. Dr Patel receives this award for her contributions in the field of dairying and specially for her role in shaping Operation Flood.
Dr Patel, first as Managing Director and later as Chairman of NDDB, played a pivotal role in conceiving, planning and implementing Operation Flood - India's major dairy development programme responsible for making the country not only self-sufficient in milk but also the world's largest milk producer. The programme, unparalleled in scale, scope and impact, has helped promote, finance and rehabilitate the national dairy cooperative structure that presently comprises over 10 million members of about 84,000 village dairy cooperative societies, affiliated to 173 district unions and 22 state dairy federations.
Dr Amrita Patel after graduating in Veterinary Science underwent an advanced training in Animal Nutrition at the Rowett Research Institute in UK. Dr Patel joined Amul in 1965 and thereafter the NDDB in 1971. Her organizing skills were demonstrated as Secretary-General of the International Dairy Congress which India hosted in 1974 and the setting up of India's largest Foot-and- Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccine plant in Hyderabad (Andhra Pradesh). She rose through the ranks of NDDB and took over from the founder-Chairman, Dr V Kurien in 1998. She has held several important positions, including that of Mission Director of the Technology Mission on Dairy Development (TMDD).
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