Digital Dairy: Mapping NDLM and Pashu Aadhaar for UPSC

Context

India is the world’s largest producer of milk, accounting for 25% of global output. To modernize this massive ecosystem, the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) is spearheading a digital transformation. Initiatives like Pashu Aadhaar and the National Digital Livestock Mission (NDLM) aim to connect millions of small dairy farmers to a transparent, traceable, and efficient value chain.

Key Digital Initiatives in the Dairy Sector

The digitalization effort covers the entire value chain, from livestock management to milk collection and distribution.

1. National Digital Livestock Mission (NDLM) & Pashu Aadhaar

The NDLM, also known as "Bharat Pashudhan," creates a unified digital ecosystem for livestock management.

• Pashu Aadhaar: A unique 12-digit barcoded Tag ID (ear tag) issued to livestock.
• Purpose: Acts as a primary key for tracking vaccination, breeding, treatment, and health records.
• Progress: Over 35.68 crore Pashu Aadhaar IDs generated till November 2025.
• 1962 App & Helpline: Provides authenticated information on best practices and doorstep veterinary services.

2. Automatic Milk Collection System (AMCS)

Developed to bring transparency to the daily milk collection process at Dairy Cooperative Societies (DCS).

• Mechanism: Digitally records quantity, quality (fat content), and ensures instant payment transfers to farmers' bank accounts.
• Impact: Benefits over 17.3 lakh milk producers across 54 milk unions (as of October 2025).
• Digital Passbook: Farmers receive real-time SMS updates on sales and payments.

3. NDDB Dairy ERP (NDERP)

A comprehensive, web-based enterprise resource planning system tailored for the dairy industry.

• Technology: Built on open-source Frappe ERPNext, eliminating licensing fees.
• Scope: Covers finance, inventory, sales, and manufacturing.
• Integration: Directly linked with AMCS to create an end-to-end digital solution from cow to consumer.

4. Semen Station Management System (SSMS)

Ensures standardisation and quality in the production of Frozen Semen Doses (FSD).

• Integration: Connected to the Information Network for Semen Production and Resource Management (INSPRM).
• Status: Currently used by 38 graded semen stations across India.

5. Internet-based Dairy Information System (i-DIS)

A unified platform for dairy cooperatives to collect and analyze data.

• Scale: Involves 198 milk unions and 15 federations.
• Purpose: Supports data-driven decision-making and performance benchmarking.

6. Milk Route Optimisation using GIS

Using Geographical Information System (GIS) technology to design efficient procurement and distribution routes.

• Benefits: Reduces transportation distance, fuel costs, and time.
• Implementation: Launched in August 2022; successfully implemented in unions like Varanasi, Indore, and Jharkhand.

Significance of Digitalization

• Transparency: Automating milk collection eliminates manual errors and middleman interference in payments.
• Productivity: Data-driven livestock management (via Pashu Aadhaar) helps in timely vaccinations and better breeding decisions.
• Traceability: Ensures food safety and quality standards from the farm gate to the retail shelf.
• Farmer Welfare: Direct benefit transfers and real-time information empower small and marginal dairy farmers.
• Cost Efficiency: GIS-based route planning significantly lowers logistics costs for cooperatives.