India’s dairy sector takes bold steps toward sustainability

INDIA – India’s dairy industry has introduced initiatives to embrace a greener future, during a key workshop on sustainability and circularity held by the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying (DAHD) at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. 

The event, inaugurated by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, drew Union Ministers, senior officials, and dairy cooperative representatives to discuss sustainable practices and chart the path ahead for dairy farming in the country.

According to a report by the DAHD, the workshop marked a turning point with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) and NABARD. 

This partnership aims to boost sustainable growth by providing technical and financial support to the dairy sector. 

The NDDB has also teamed up with 26 Milk Unions across 15 states to set up biogas plants, a move expected to improve energy generation and manure management. 

During the event, detailed guidelines on sustainability were unveiled, alongside financing initiatives like the NDDB Sustain Plus Project, which focuses on funding eco-friendly dairy practices. 

These efforts are designed to cut environmental harm while making better use of resources.

Union Minister Amit Shah, in his speech, stressed the vital role of sustainability in the next phase of India’s White Revolution. 

“We’ve come a long way, but there’s still much to do to achieve true sustainability,” he said. 

He pointed out that dairy farming supports the livelihoods of millions of small farmers, helping reduce rural migration and drive prosperity. 

Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh added that India’s 30 crore cows and buffaloes offer huge potential for producing organic fertilizers and biofuels.

“Cow dung can become a game-changer for fuel and farming,” he remarked, emphasizing the shift toward an organized dairy sector through public-private partnerships.

Reported by the NDDB, a new financing scheme with Rs 1,000 crores has been launched to back small and large-scale biogas projects over the next ten years. 

Smt. Alka Upadhyaya, Secretary of DAHD, underlined the importance of these steps, noting that dairy is a backbone of India’s agricultural economy. 

She highlighted the government’s push to weave circular economy principles into the sector.

The workshop also featured discussions on policy frameworks and carbon credit opportunities, with successful models like Zakariyapura, Banas, and Varanasi showcasing how dung can be turned into a valuable asset.

The event wrapped up with a shared commitment to build a roadmap for a financially strong and environmentally sound dairy sector. 

Stakeholders agreed that collaboration will be key to ensuring these initiatives succeed, paving the way for a sustainable and thriving dairy industry in India.

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