Vadodara: Dairy cooperatives could play a bigger role in supplying fresh milk to troops stationed in border and high-altitude areas, with the Indian Army and the National Cooperative Dairy Federation of India (NCDFI) exploring ways to reduce dependence on ultra-high temperature (UHT) processed milk wherever local procurement, processing and cold-chain facilities are feasible.The issue came into focus at a cooperative conclave on the dairy-defence partnership held at the Dr Verghese Kurien auditorium of the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) in milk city Anand on Monday. The event marked more than four decades of collaboration between dairy cooperatives and the defence establishment.Lt Gen Mukesh Chadha, director general of supplies and transport (DGST), Indian Army, said stronger dairy cooperative networks in border areas could not only ensure fresh milk supplies to troops but also create local markets, employment and livelihood opportunities.Lt Gen Chadha called for closer coordination between the Army and NCDFI to assess requirements and develop the infrastructure needed for fresh milk supplies in areas where conditions permit.“There is a scope to increase fresh milk supplies“, Chadha said, while stressing that adequate capacity for long-life milk must be maintained at locations where operating conditions make it essential.At present, UHT milk remains critical for troops deployed in remote and difficult locations, with 4.11 crore litres supplied for such requirements.The conclave discussed expanding fresh milk supplies without compromising the availability of long-life products in areas where maintaining a cold chain is difficult.NCDFI chairman Meenesh Shah said the partnership benefits both the defence forces and dairy farmers. While the Army gets a dependable supply chain, cooperatives gain assured institutional markets and farmers get access to larger markets and regular income.“Every additional litre supplied brings dairy farmers and personnel serving the nation closer together,” Shah said.NCDFI’s association with the defence ministry dates to 1984. The partnership now involves 117 dairy cooperatives and had a contract value of Rs 1,627 crore in 2025-26.Fresh milk supplies to defence establishments rose to 18.48 crore litres in 2025-26, while the combined supply of fresh and UHT milk stood at 22.60 crore litres.
