New Delhi, Dec 20 (KNN)  The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the implementation of the National Programme for Bovine Breeding and Dairy Development (NPBBDD) during the 12th Plan period.

The scheme will be implemented with an allocation of Rs 1,800 crore during the 12th Five Year Plan (2012-14 to 2016-17).  However, spill over activities of the project will be extended to the 13th Five Year Plan, according to an official notification released by Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs yesterday.

It will have two components such as National Programme for Bovine Breeding (NPBB) and National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD).

NPBB will focus amongst other things on extension of the Field Artificial Insemination (AI) network, monitoring of AI programme, development and conservation of indigenous breeds and establishment of breeders associations and societies to encourage conservation and development of recognised indigenous breeds.

The NPDD component of NPBBDO scheme has been designed to develop infrastructure from the grass root level by providing financial and technical assistance for dairy development.

On the other hand, NPDD will focus on creating infrastructure related to production, procurement, processing and marketing by milk federations and also extension activities including training of farmers.

As many as 5000 MAITRI will be established by the end of the NPBBDD scheme on self-sustainable basis.

The programme will also set in motion specific action to conserve genetic diversity among cattle and buffalo in the country. It will also put in place the policy-strategy-programme framework to transform breeding into an economic activity.

The NPBBDD has been formulated by merging four ongoing schemes - National Project for Cattle and Buffalo Breeding (NPCBB), Intensive Dairy Development Programme (IDDP), Strengthening Infrastructure for Quality and Clean Milk Production (SIQ and CMP) and assistance to cooperatives. (KNN/ST)