NDRI ranks 2nd in National Institutional Ranking Framework

The ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI) has secured second rank in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2025 under the ‘Agriculture and Allied’ category of the Union Ministry of Education. The award was announced in Thursday.

Dr Dheer Singh, Director and Vice-Chancellor of the institute, received the award from Union Minister for Education Dharmendra Pradhan during the India Rankings 2025 ceremony in New Delhi.

As per NIRF guidelines, the ranking is based on teaching, learning and resources, research and professional practices, graduation outcomes, outreach and inclusivity, and peer perception.

Singh said NDRI was a premier dairy research institution that had significantly contributed to the growth of the dairy industry in India through over a century of continuous research. Besides offering quality education and training in dairy technology, food technology and postgraduate programmes, NDRI was renowned for achievements such as the world’s first buffalo cloning using the hand-guided technique, which had advanced elite dairy animal breeding.

Singh said the institute had developed over 80 technologies, many of which were commercialised to improve dairy productivity and efficiency. Its Model Dairy Plant processed over 60,000 liters of milk daily. Through advanced breeding, precise milk yield prediction and effective fertility management, the NDRI had substantially increased milk production. Innovations in synbiotic products, lactose-free beverages, and rapid contaminant detection had enhanced milk quality and safety.

Mechanisation initiatives such as rapid milk cooling modules and automated paneer pressing units had improved efficiency at farm and processing levels. Key facilities like the National Referral Laboratory for Milk Quality and Safety and the Climate Resilient Livestock Research Centre support cutting-edge research on milk standards, safety, and climate adaptation.

"NDRI continues to play a vital role in strengthening India’s dairy sector," he further added.

On the occasion, the Director congratulated all staff members and students for this remarkable achievement.