World Milk Day: dairy sector requires support to meet global challenges

The Hindu

31-05-2025

As the world celebrates World Milk Day on June 1, the dairy sector stands at a critical crossroads —balancing its crucial role in nutrition, rural livelihoods, and food security with the urgent demands of sustainability and climate resilience. This year, the focus of World Milk Day is on sustainability and climate resilience in the dairy industry.
India, the world's largest milk producer, is increasingly pushing for sustainable milk production and nutritional security through the dairy sector. This industry contributes over 6% to the country's GDP and supports the livelihoods of over 80 million dairy farmers. Around 12-14% of agricultural income comes from dairying. India accounts for 24.64% of global milk production, says Dr. T.P. Sethumadhavan, former Director of Entrepreneurship at Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University.
With India's per capita milk consumption at 479 grams per day — far above the global average of 371 grams — the sector plays a vital role in ensuring national food security, he said.
Low-carbon strategies
'Globally, dairy is under increasing scrutiny for its environmental impact, especially methane emissions. However, India's largely smallholder-driven dairy system emits far less than the heavily industrialised models of developed nations. As conversations around climate action, carbon neutrality, and clean food systems grow louder, India is pushing forward with low-carbon strategies, native breed conservation, and scientific innovations to future-proof its dairy economy, ' Dr. Sethumadhavan pointed out.
Dairy production costs are rising sharply, with quality feed prices surging by 246% over the past three decades, while milk prices have climbed only 68%. In India, less than 28% of milk is handled by the organised sector, including cooperatives, leaving over 70% in the unorganized sector — where quality control remains a major challenge.
Crossbred cattle are on the rise globally, with Kerala leading the way at 96%, far ahead of the national average of 30%. While crossbreeding boosts productivity, India is also focusing on preserving indigenous breeds.
'Disease remains a major threat to dairy production. In 2024–25, India's milk output dropped by 10% due to widespread outbreaks. Climate change, drought, and infections such as lumpy skin disease, foot-and-mouth disease, and mastitis continue to inflict massive losses—mastitis alone causes an estimated ₹14,000 crore in damages annually, ' he noted.
India's dairy sector needs a focused support package targeting smallholders, women, and entrepreneurs, with aid for production, processing, marketing, and investments in quality control, disease surveillance, and technology.
With brands like Amul expanding globally, the sector is evolving into a dynamic business hub. However, the push for A2 milk must avoid misleading campaigns against crossbred cattle. While A1 and A2 milk differ in protein makeup, the debate should remain grounded in science, not marketing spin, Dr. Sethumadhavan noted.