IMPHAL, Oct 21
The MaolKeki Foundation has announced the successful visit of a delegation of 26 key stakeholders from the dairy sector in Nigeria to Manipur.
The delegation led by Abuja-based Sahel Consulting Agriculture and Nutrition Limited, included CEOs, Government officials, veterinarians, technicians and consultants from the Nigerian dairy sector who have been on a study tour of the Indian dairy sector for the last nine days, said a release issued by Maolkeki Foundation.
In Manipur, the team visited Royal Dairy Farm in Phougakchao Ikhai in Bishnupur District where a farmer, Abung Ningthoujam, took them on a tour of his operations including the fodder farm, cow sheds and the processing centre.
From the farm, the delegation stopped briefly at the Relief Camp in Khoyol Keithel in Moirang while en route to Sendra for lunch with a view of Loktak Lake and a brief interaction with farmers belonging to Bishnupur District Milk Co-operative Union Ltd.
From Sendra, the delegation headed to the Manipur Milk Producers’ Cooperative Union Limited in Porompat. Kenedy Seram, the MD, warmly received the team and gave an introduction on the dairy sector in Manipur followed by a brief tour of the facility which is currently undergoing transformation with support from NDDB.
While in Manipur, the delegation also visited Kangla Fort, and enjoyed “cha-bora” at EMA market, the only market in the world run exclusively by women.
The visit ended with a reception during which the delegation was able to enjoy a Manipuri cultural show.
They also received lengyans (Manipuri stoles) and gifts made by Internally Displaced Persons from Michael Achom and Rajkumar Khogendrajit, Secretary and Director respectively, of the Veterinary & Animal Husbandry Services, as well as from Takhellambam Ranjit Singh, Chairperson, Manipur Staff Selection Committee; Arvind Hanglem, IAS Probationary Officer; Priya Akoijam from the North American Manipur Association, and members of the MaolKeki Foundation.
Notably, before coming to Manipur, the delegation visited Anand in Gujarat, to learn about Amul, the milk cooperative movement, animal husbandry, and meet with dairy farmers and cooperatives there.
The delegation also visited the Institute for Rural Management, Anand (IRMA) where they had a very insightful discussion with Director Professor Umakant Dash and senior faculty member Professor Saswata Biswas.
They also went on a tour of the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) before flying to Delhi for an interactive session at the Indian Dairy Association and a formal reception at the Nigerian High Commission with Ahmad Tijani O Lawal, the Charge d’Affairs.
The MaolKeki Foundation expressed happiness at being able to host the delegation from Nigeria and thanked its extended team for their hard work & support in making this a successful study tour.
