More than two-third of India’s population is dependent on agriculture as its main source of livelihood. However, the increasing climate vagaries and fragmented landholdings are making the occupation more challenging. It is therefore important that agriculture diversification be prioritized and agri-allied sectors be developed beyond the subsistence mode of income.
Dairy is one such sector which offers a huge potential for strengthening rural livelihoods. In order to tap this potential and offer its benefits to farming community, DHANII (Dairy Health and Nutrition Initiative India Foundation)-Section 8 Company was established in 2016 as the delivery arm of Tata Trusts for implementation of Tata Dairy Mission.
DHANII collaborated with NDDB Dairy Services (NDS) – the subsidiary of National Dairy Development Board (NDDB). This collaboration is the first of its kind, where NDDB has joined hands with a private organization. Under this partnership, DHANII is mobilizing the dairy farmers and providing them the necessary support to establish Milk Producer Companies (MPCs).
Till date, DHANII and NDS have facilitated the formation of five MPCs in five states (Punjab, Haryana, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh).
Mission
To make dairy as a sustainable source of livelihood for small and marginal farmers by enhancing knowledge, building capacities and encouraging best practices.
Goal
By 2024, DHANII aims to link at least 3 lakh rural households with Milk Producer Companies by covering 5,000 villages in 25 districts across 6 states of India. The objective is to strengthen each household to earn >Rs 50,000 per annum through dairying activities.