Members Of French Cooperative & Australian Dairy Delegation Visited Farms Of PDFA

Got impressed with the model of PDFA and PDS; exploring business ties

A 25 member Australian dairy delegation met the largest association of Dairy farmers PDFA (progressive dairy farmers’ association) and explored explore business ties with Progressive Dairy solutions, the company formed by the PDFA farmers. The Visit to Ludhiana was a part of the biggest ever Australian Week-long trade mission to India.

The delegation has focus on dairy cattle breeds and genetics; fodder grass and animal nutrition; vocational education and training in dairy farming; research and development in milk products; dairy farm consultancy and IT enabled services.

Speaking about the possibility of association Mr. Daljit Singh, President, PDFA said, “PDFA has been working relentlessly for the upliftment of the Punjab Dairy farmers. For that we have a keen focus on exploring associations with international partners. This helps make way for the innovative technologies and best practices in the Indian dairy system. It’s our immense pleasure to learn about the newer technologies in the dairy industry from the Australian Dairy industry and we are keen to adopt innovative technologies them for the benefit of our farmers.”

Speaking about the association, Mr. Mark Moley, Trade commissioner and leader of Agriculture equipment, technology and services - Dairy Delegation said Australia has a diverse dairy manufacturing sector and is World’s fourth largest exporter of processed dairy products. The dairy industry is Australia’s third largest agriculture food industry, with farm gate value of production valued at A$4B.

“Australia offers best practice solutions in agriculture research, consulting, technology and equipment. It can provide inputs to value-add agricultural production; systems, services, intellectual property and technology that improve production efficiency and education and skills,” said Mr. Morley.

Speaking about the business possibilities Mr. Munish Sharma, General Manager, Progressive Dairy Solutions, said, “We are exploring tie-ups with companies like Dairy innovation Australia limited and Innovative farm services Pty Ltd for dairy manufacturing especially with a focus in integrated, responsive and cost effective dairy manufacturing R&D and support services. We are also explored association with Flavourtech PTY ltd for milk process technology and the possibility of know how exchange with the renowned research scientists and consultants from Australia, for the training and education of Punjab Dairy farmers.”

French Cooperative’s Visit: A team of 70 members of Cooperative of France- Agrial also visited PDFA farms. The team was impressed by the mechanization of the farms in Punjab. They visit various parts of the world to observe the new technologies and practices adopted by the dairy farmers. They have visited Gujarat last year to understand their model of dairy farming too.

They were enthralled to know that farmers of PDFA are rearing the world famous Holstein Friesian (HF) cattle for milk production and has largest number of HF cows in India. PDFA has constructed special sheds which are fitted with automatic sprinklers, cow mats and cow beds to ensure their comfort for these cows of European origin. PDFA is the first in the country to introduce fodder management by growing their own to make silage to fulfill annual fodder requirement of cattle. They were quite inspired by the success of “La Pure,” the milk brand introduced by Progressive dairy solutions, the commercial arm of PDFA.

Mr. Michel Mariette, President and Director, Agrial applauded PDFA for a highly effective model of dairy farming and the commendable benefits its providing to the farmers in terms of technology know how and training. He appreciated the farmers of PDFA for working hard to establish dairy farming as a lucrative business for one and all.

During the exchange he also informed the PDFA farmers about the French dairy farming industry. He said Dairy farming is a key driver of the French economy and generates 27 billion Euros making it France’s second largest agrifood industry. The team also shared about the techniques employed by them in Dairy farming. They could also relate well with PDFA farms as they follow similar pattern of mid-sized dairy farms in France as PDFA farmers do.

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