The two-day Rangeelo Rural Fest 2026, organised by the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) and NDDB Dairy Services, commenced at the Helipad Ground of Banaras Hindu University (BHU), bringing together farmers, dairy professionals, researchers and industry stakeholders to showcase innovations in dairy farming, animal husbandry and rural development.
Uttar Pradesh Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development Minister Dharampal Singh, who attended as the chief guest, highlighted the importance of scientific dairy farming, indigenous cattle breed improvement and animal healthcare. He emphasised improving milk productivity, animal nutrition and breeding practices, along with ensuring transparent payments to farmers.
BHU Vice-Chancellor Ajit Kumar Chaturvedi highlighted the university's potential collaboration with NDDB in research and innovation covering dairy services, milk production, technology, economics and management. He also pointed to the Institute of Agricultural Sciences and BHU's dairy farm at the Rajiv Gandhi South Campus as important resources for strengthening academic and research engagement in dairying.
Uttar Pradesh Milk Commissioner Dhanlaxmi K outlined the role of dairying in rural livelihoods, employment, nutrition and women's empowerment. She highlighted initiatives under the Nand Baba Mission and the Uttar Pradesh Dairy Development and Investment Promotion Policy, 2022, which aim to increase milk production, strengthen infrastructure and improve farmers' incomes.
NDDB Chairman Meenesh Shah said NDDB and the Uttar Pradesh government are working together to revive and operate dairy plants in Varanasi, Kanpur, Kannauj, Gorakhpur and Ambedkar Nagar. He also reaffirmed NDDB's focus on expanding dairy operations and creating sustainable income opportunities for farmers.
NDDB Board member Durga Shankar Mishra highlighted initiatives covering milk procurement, animal breeding, nutrition and digital technologies aimed at improving transparency in farmer payments. NDDB Dairy Services Managing Director C.P. Devanand said the festival provides farmers and stakeholders from across India with an opportunity to learn about new dairy technologies, innovations and research.
BHU faculties and institutes also displayed products and technologies. The Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences showcased silage, animal nutrition products and chhena kheer, while the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences displayed wheat, pulses and gram. The Department of Dairy Science and Food Technology presented Mahamana Prasadam, an FSSAI-licensed product developed at the university.
A bull show featured indigenous breeds including Gir, Tharparkar, Sahiwal and Bhadawari. The festival also included the 2nd NDDB Merit Scholarship Awards for 2025–26, recognising academic achievement.
More than 50 stalls showcased equipment, technologies and innovations across the dairy value chain. Exhibits included farm equipment, milling machines, digital thawing systems, smart weighing scales, robotic milking systems, data-driven dairy management solutions, artificial insemination equipment, animal nutrition products, herbal remedies and vaccines, including those focused on Foot-and-Mouth Disease prevention. Mother Dairy, Dhara, Safal and Parag participated alongside private-sector organisations and academic institutions.
Additional reporting said the festival was expected to attract more than 20,000 visitors, with 85 exhibitors, 500 delegates, 150 Pashu Mela participants and 20 Handicraft Haat participants. More than eight high-genetic-merit breeds were showcased, while total prize money was reported at more than ₹41 lakh.
The event provided a platform for farmers, students, researchers and dairy-industry stakeholders to exchange knowledge and explore technologies and innovations aimed at strengthening dairy production, animal husbandry and rural livelihoods.
Source: Dairynews7x7 22 Sep, 2026 Read full story here
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