Sri Vijaya Puram, May 19: The Andaman and Nicobar Islands marked their presence on the international dairy stage for the first time with the showcasing of locally produced goat milk cheese at the 4th Mundial do Queijo do Brasil 2026 in Sao Paulo, Brazil, even as the Administration expanded efforts to promote value-added agricultural and horticultural infrastructure through subsidy-linked schemes across the islands.
Officials said the participation in the international cheese competition represented a significant milestone for the islands’ dairy sector and highlighted growing emphasis on entrepreneurship, rural livelihoods and value-added production.
India officially participated in the global cheese championship under the coordination of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India, and the National Dairy Development Board.
The event, held between April 16 and April 19 in Sao Paulo, brought together dairy experts, cheesemakers, buyers and industry representatives from nearly 30 countries.
The Indian delegation included representatives from the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration, National Dairy Development Board, Mother Dairy, Amul and Eleftheria Cheese.
Among the official entries from India was “Merom Tua,” an artisanal goat milk cheese produced in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Director of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services Dr. K.A. Naveen represented the islands as part of the five-member Indian delegation and presented locally produced artisanal goat milk cheese during the international event.
Officials said the presentation highlighted the islands’ disease-free environment and the potential for goat milk-based products to support entrepreneurship and generate livelihood opportunities for tribal and rural communities.
The delegation also showcased value-added products such as premium total fatty matter soaps prepared using goat milk.
According to officials, the products received appreciation from international visitors and dairy professionals attending the championship.
The participation is being viewed as part of broader efforts to position niche agricultural and dairy products from the islands in specialised domestic and international markets.
Officials noted that small-scale dairy initiatives and artisanal production models could create additional income opportunities in rural and remote island communities where traditional large-scale agricultural operations remain limited.
On the concluding day of the visit, the Indian delegation also visited Estancia Silvania, a leading dairy farm in Brazil, where discussions were held on regenerative dairy farming, A2 milk production and advanced breeding technologies.
The international participation comes alongside renewed focus by the Administration on strengthening agricultural post-harvest infrastructure in the islands.
The Department of Agriculture on Sunday appealed to eligible entrepreneurs, farmer groups, cooperatives and self-help groups to avail benefits under the Integrated Post Harvest Management project being implemented under the National Horticulture Mission of the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture.
Officials said the project offers credit-linked back-ended subsidies for infrastructure related to storage, packaging, transportation and processing of horticultural produce.
The scheme covers facilities including farm gate pack houses, integrated pack houses, cold storage units, staging cold rooms, refrigerated transport vehicles and primary processing units.
Under the project guidelines, subsidy assistance of up to 50 percent of project cost is available for eligible beneficiaries depending on the type and scale of infrastructure proposed.
Authorities said the initiative aims to reduce post-harvest losses, improve storage and transport systems and strengthen value addition in horticulture and allied agricultural sectors.
The Agriculture Department has urged individuals, farmer producer organisations, cooperatives and self-help groups to approach zonal agriculture officers and extension staff for guidance and application procedures.
Officials said strengthening post-harvest management infrastructure remains critical for geographically isolated island regions where transport delays and climatic conditions can significantly affect the quality and shelf life of agricultural produce.
The Administration believes improved cold storage, processing and packaging infrastructure could help island producers access wider markets and improve returns from horticultural activities.
The twin developments international exposure for island dairy products and expansion of agricultural infrastructure support, reflect continuing efforts to diversify rural economic opportunities in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands through value-added production and entrepreneurship initiatives.
