Role of Nepal Dairy Development Board -Part 1

Although the Nepal Dairy Development Board (NDDB) is mandated for overall dairy development activities, it has not been able to fulfill its mandate due to some major problems regarding composition of its EC [Executive Committee ], financial constraints and weak staff position. As the Minister of MoAC [Ministry of Agriculture and Co-operatives ] is the chairperson of the EC, difficulties have been experienced to conduct the EC meetings due to the frequent changes of Government/Ministers resulting in difficulties to give continuity of NDDB's activities.

Secondly, the Board is financially constrained. The government contribution to the Board is very less which is not enough even for the salary of staff. For the fiscal year (2009/2010) the Board received NRs. 4 million from the government of which NRs. 3.5 million is allocated for staff salary and only NRs. 0.5 million is allocated for program implementation.

Finally, a weak staff position of the NDDB has been another serious problem. Presently, the Board has one politically appointed ED [Executive Director ], and 5 officer level supporting staff including two Second Class Technical Officers (one M.Sc. Dairy Technology and one B.V. Sc.) one third Class Technical Officer (B. V. Sc.), one Second Class Administration Officer and one Third Class Administration Officer. There is only one assistant level technical staff and 5 assistant level administration staff. Other include lower level drivers, office assistants etc. Thus, the actual technical working force is comprised of 4 persons. In order to be in a position to assume the responsibilities according to its mandate, its service departments should be adequately staffed with highly professional technical manpower for which its staff members must be recruited with the provision of adequate incentives. But the government regulations regarding salary and incentives did not allow any kind of allowances and incentives, except prescribed by the GoN. Consequently, the Board is lacking competent technical manpower. It is technically too weak and unable to discharge its duties effectively.