TN to lead India's next dairy revolution : Min
Mano Thangaraj on Monday said 'Tamil Nadu is well-positioned to lead India's
next dairy revolution.
The revolution would be the one that is green, inclusive, and farmer-first, he
said at the valedictory of the Climate Smart Dairy Entrepreneurship Programme
held here.
He said India proudly holds the distinction of being the world's largest milk producer
--a testament to the dedication of millions of small holder farmers and their livestock.
Yet, behind this impressive statistic lies a pressing concern: low productivity. On
average, Indian dairy animals produce only one-tenth of the milk compared to their
counterparts, highlighting a significant gap in efficiency and sustainability.
A pivotal study, the Tamil Nadu Landscape Study, conducted by Kumaraguru Institutions in
partnership with the Environmental Defense Fund, uncovered the systemic barriers that
continue to hinder the dairy sector: high production costs, poor price realization and weak
last mile delivery of essential inputs and veterinary services.
The study captured the voices of farmers echoing fatigue, frustration, and an urgent demand
for transformative change. "That change is now in motion", he said.
In December 2024, Kumaraguru Institutions launched the Climate Smart Dairy Entrepreneurship
Programme, a transformative initiative aimed at fostering sustainable, resilient, and scalable
dairy farming models.
Over a three-month intensive training phase, 112 dairy entrepreneurs were equipped with
practical knowledge in breeding, nutrition, housing, animal health, and milk value addition.
These entrepreneurs are now receiving nine months of dedicated field mentoring
to support and empower over 10,000 smallholder dairy farmers across Tamil Nadu.
They are not just business owners—they are changemakers, delivering quality inputs,
reliable veterinary services, and evidence-based dairy practices to underserved
communities. Their work generates triple impact as social empowerment, economic
upliftment and environmental resilience.
A flagship highlight of the programme was the 'Dairy Yatra"-- 6,000 km cross-country
learning expedition through Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Rajasthan.
More than 40 entrepreneurs participated, gaining first hand exposure to innovative dairy
practices from the lush pastures of Coimbatore to the arid landscapes of Rajasthan.
This journey bridged regional wisdom with cutting-edge practices, offering a panoramic
view of India's rich dairy heritage and future potential.
This event marked the culmination of months of rigorous training, innovation, and community
engagement, celebrating the tireless efforts of the new generation of dairy entrepreneurs and
their pivotal role in shaping a more inclusive, efficient, and climate-resilient dairy ecosystem.
As India looks toward the future of agriculture, this initiative stands as a beacon of what is
possible when collaboration, scientific insight, and grassroots leadership come together in
service of a common goal.
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