Dr Alka Parmar
India, a land steeped in rich cultural diversity and agricultural heritage, has long held a prominent position on the global stage when it comes to dairy production. In 1950-51, milk production in India was a modest 17 Million Tonnes (MT). By 1968-69, just before the launch of Operation Flood, it had only inched up to 21.2 MT. However, through concerted efforts, India managed to boost milk production to 30.4 MT by 1979-80 and an impressive 51.4 MT by 1989-90. Fast forward to 2021-22, and the country’s milk production has soared to a remarkable 221 million tonnes. Over the span of three decades encompassing the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s, daily milk consumption in India has undergone a remarkable transformation. From a modest 107 grams per person in 1970, it has surged to a substantial 427 grams per person in 2020-21, well above the global average of 322 grams per day in 2021.”In today’s global context, milk production is growing at a steady rate of two percent worldwide. However, India stands out with a remarkable growth rate of over six percent. This comprehensive exploration will delve into the multifaceted landscape of India’s dairy industry, shedding light on the remarkable dairy initiatives that are shaping its future.
The National Dairy Plan (NDP): A Vision for Growth
Launched in 2012, the National Dairy Plan (NDP) stands as a testament to India’s commitment to bolstering its dairy sector. This ambitious, long-term project spanning over 15 years carries the primary goal of doubling the country’s milk production while simultaneously improving the lives of small and marginal dairy farmers. The initiative primarily focuses on 18 major milk-producing states in India, collectively contributing significantly to the nation’s milk production. One of the core components of NDP revolves around genetic improvement in dairy animals. This entails the promotion of high-yielding indigenous and exotic cattle breeds, coupled with the implementation of artificial insemination programs aimed at augmenting the genetic quality of the dairy herd. Furthermore, NDP encompasses initiatives to enhance animal nutrition and feeding practices, emphasizing balanced diets for dairy animals to boost milk production. Crucially, NDP is about strengthening the entire dairy value chain, from production to processing and marketing. This includes support for the establishment and modernization of dairy processing units and infrastructure. A robust monitoring and evaluation framework has been put in place to assess the progress of various activities, ensuring they meet their intended objectives.
Rashtriya Gokul Mission: Conserving India’s
Dairy Heritage
Launched by the Government of India in 2014, the Rashtriya Gokul Mission is a beacon of hope for the conservation and promotion of indigenous cattle breeds. Recognizing the invaluable role of these breeds in India’s agriculture and dairy sector, the mission primarily strives to heighten the productivity and genetic quality of India’s cattle population. The indigenous cattle breeds of India have a special place in its cultural and economic tapestry. They have been well-adapted to local conditions and have played a crucial role in milk production and the livelihoods of millions of farmers. The Rashtriya Gokul Mission’s primary aim is to ensure their survival and prosperity. To achieve this, the mission focuses on the conservation and development of indigenous cattle breeds, particularly those economically important. Selective breeding and advanced reproductive technologies are harnessed to improve the genetic potential of these breeds. This encompasses efforts to increase milk yield, enhance disease resistance, and improve overall animal health. Gokul Grams, or indigenous cattle centers, are established to house high-quality cattle and serve as breeding centers. These centers act as hubs for improving cattle genetics through selective breeding and artificial insemination. Financial support is extended for the creation and upgrading of infrastructure related to cattle farming, including cattle shelters, bull farms, and veterinary hospitals.
National Mission on Bovine Productivity (NMBP): Enhancing Dairy Animal Productivity
Launched in 2016 under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission, the National Mission on Bovine Productivity (NMBP) reflects the Government of India’s steadfast commitment to improving the productivity of dairy animals by focusing on their nutrition, healthcare, and breeding services. This mission encompasses a broad spectrum of activities aimed at enhancing the genetic quality and overall well-being of both indigenous and exotic cattle breeds. One key aspect of NMBP is its emphasis on genetic improvement. The mission strives to enhance the genetic quality of bovines by actively promoting selective breeding, artificial insemination, and the utilization of high-yielding indigenous and exotic cattle breeds. These efforts result in higher milk yields and the development of more desirable breed characteristics.
Dairy Entrepreneurship Development Scheme (DEDS): Empowering Entrepreneurs
Launched by the Government of India in 2017, the Dairy Entrepreneurship Development Scheme (DEDS) represents a significant leap towards modernizing and expanding dairy processing infrastructure throughout the country. This scheme provides low-cost loans and grants to dairy cooperatives and private dairy processing units, facilitating the establishment and upgrading of processing facilities. DEDS operates through the Dairy Processing and Infrastructure Development Fund (DIDF), offering a multifaceted approach to the enhancement of the dairy sector. Under this program, financial support is extended to various stakeholders within the dairy sector, including cooperatives, milk unions, and private dairy processing units. The management of funds falls under the purview of the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB).
Dairy Entrepreneurship Development Scheme (DEDS): Fostering Dairy Entrepreneurship
Established in 2010 by the Ministry of Agriculture and Family Welfare, the Dairy Entrepreneurship Development Scheme (DEDS) is a pivotal initiative aimed at promoting entrepreneurship within the dairy sector. This scheme is a vital component of broader endeavors to enhance milk production, improve the quality of dairy products, and elevate the economic well-being of dairy entrepreneurs and farmers. One crucial aspect is its provision of financial assistance, offered in the form of subsidies and loans. These financial incentives are extended to eligible entrepreneurs who aspire to establish dairy-related enterprises.
Women Empowerment Programs: Empowering Women in India’s Dairy Sector
Empowering women in India’s dairy sector is crucial for boosting milk production and processing, especially in rural areas where women play a significant role in dairy farming. These empowerment programs are designed to enhance women’s participation, decision-making, and income generation within the dairy industry. One notable initiative is the “Mahila Dairy,” where dairy cooperatives and self-help groups have established women’s dairy groups. These groups encourage active participation in various dairy activities, including cattle rearing, milk collection, and processing, while also providing women with valuable training and resources to improve their skills and knowledge. Additionally, the “Kamdhenu Scheme,” launched by the Government of India, focuses on promoting women’s engagement in dairy farming. This scheme provides financial support to women, enabling them to purchase dairy animals such as cows and buffaloes. By doing so, it encourages self-reliance in milk production. The “Women Empowerment in Dairying (WED) Scheme,” implemented by the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), empowers women engaged in dairy farming through training programs covering various aspects of dairy management, animal husbandry, and milk processing. It also promotes the formation of women’s dairy cooperatives and self-help groups.
(The author is Assistant Professor (Dairy Chemistry) Faculty of Dairy Technology, SKUAST-Jammu)
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