DDC Business Grows 50%, Farmer Payments Improve as Expansion Plans Gather Pace

The Dairy Development Corporation (DDC) has recorded a 50% increase in business, according to the government's 100-day progress report, driven by higher sales of its dairy products. The Ministry of Agricultural Development said the improved business performance enabled DDC to pay Rs 350 million (Rs 35 crore) to dairy farmers over the past two months. As a result, outstanding payments to farmers have declined from Rs 680 million (Rs 68 crore) in mid-April to Rs 450 million (Rs 45 crore), with the ministry stating that payments are now being made more regularly. DDC is also moving ahead with plans to expand its operations and market reach. The corporation is preparing to sign an agreement to export at least 50 metric tonnes of ghee annually to Gulf countries, with a draft deal worth Rs 50 million already finalized. It also plans to double cheese production by establishing a new cheese processing plant in Pashupatinagar, Koshi Province, while paneer and cheese production is scheduled to begin in Nagarkot from Shrawan 1 (mid-July). In addition, DDC plans to launch at least 15 dedicated retail counters across the Kathmandu Valley in partnership with the private sector and is preparing to introduce online sales of its dairy products as part of its marketing expansion strategy.