Dairy Infrastructure Development Fund (DIDF)
This profile has been independently compiled from official gazette notifications and verified web domains. Source Authority Link: dahd.nic.in Authority: Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying • State/Region: Central Scheme (All India) • Last Audited: 24 Oct 2026
Quick AI Summary
Central government scheme providing subsidized loans through NABARD to dairy cooperatives for modern milk processing and value-addition infrastructure.
Detailed Summary
Scheme Overview
The Dairy Infrastructure Development Fund (DIDF) was established by the Government of India with a corpus of ₹10,881 crore to modernize the dairy processing sector. The fund is managed by the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) and operated through the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD). It aims to bridge the infrastructure gap in milk processing, chilling, and value-addition facilities across the country.
Key Components
- Processing Infrastructure: Setting up of new milk processing plants and modernization/expansion of existing plants.
- Chilling Infrastructure: Establishment of Bulk Milk Coolers (BMCs), Milk Chilling Centres, and Cold Storage facilities.
- Value Addition: Manufacturing facilities for milk powder, cheese, paneer, butter, ghee, and other value-added products.
- Quality Assurance: Setting up of milk testing laboratories and certification systems.
Financial Architecture
The scheme provides loan assistance up to 90% of the project cost for cooperative institutions. The interest rate to End Borrowers is fixed at 6.5% per annum. The interest subvention is provided by the Central Government to NABARD to enable this concessional rate. The repayment period is 10 years with a 2-year moratorium on principal repayment.
Key Benefits & Financial Assistance
| Comparison Criteria | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Key Benefits |
|
Eligibility Criteria Profile
| Comparison Criteria | Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age Limit | 18 Years or above |
| Physical Disability | Not Restricted (Anyone can apply) |
| Domicile State | All India (Central Scheme) |
Application Process Guide
- The Milk Union/Federation prepares a Detailed Project Report (DPR) as per NDDB/NABARD format.
- The DPR is submitted to the concerned State Dairy Federation/NDDB Regional Office for preliminary scrutiny.
- NDDB conducts technical appraisal and financial viability assessment of the project.
- Upon technical clearance, NDDB forwards the proposal to NABARD with recommendations.
- NABARD sanctions the loan and enters into a Loan Agreement with the End Borrower.
- Funds are released in installments based on physical progress and utilization certificates.
- NDDB monitors project implementation; NABARD monitors financial progress.
Common FAQs regarding this Yojana
Eligible permanent residents meeting the specified domicile, income, and category criteria can submit an application along with verified credentials.
Key mandatory documents include Aadhaar Card, Residence/Domicile Certificate, Income Certificate, and active Bank Account Passbook.
Benefits are directly credited to the beneficiary's Aadhaar-seeded bank account through the Public Financial Management System (PFMS) / DBT.
Applicants can track status in real-time by logging into the official portal using their Application Reference Number.