India’s dairy industry faces significant challenges due to climate change, impacting animal health and milk production. Farmers are experiencing severe issues, including disease outbreaks and reduced yields. The effects are exacerbated by rising temperatures and extreme weather conditions, which disrupt fodder production and increase disease prevalence. While initiatives like the National Livestock Mission and NICRA aim to address these issues, there is a pressing need for more effective climate adaptation strategies.
The Indian dairy industry is grappling with severe challenges as climate change continues to disrupt milk production and animal health across the country. Rising temperatures and extreme weather events are exacerbating issues such as disease outbreaks and reduced milk yields, threatening the livelihood of countless dairy farmers.
Severe Impacts on Dairy Health and Production
In Punawali Kalan village in northern India, Chandan Singh, a dairy farmer, faced a devastating situation this summer. Five of his buffaloes contracted haemorrhagic septicaemia (HS), a bacterial disease that thrives in humid conditions. Despite spending INR 15,000 (approximately USD 179) on treatment, Singh lost two buffaloes, underscoring the severe economic strain caused by climate-related health issues.
The situation is not isolated. Local farmer Rajkumar Rajput experienced a dramatic decline in milk production during recent heatwaves, with his daily output dropping from 45 to 30 litres. This decrease has led him to purchase additional milk to meet local demand, further straining his finances.
India’s Central Institute for Research on Buffaloes conducted a study in 2017 that highlighted the vulnerability of dairy production to extreme temperature fluctuations. The study found that such fluctuations could cause a 10-30% reduction in milk production during early lactation and a 5-20% reduction in subsequent lactations. The impacts are expected to persist for several days, further compounding the difficulties faced by farmers.
Economic Losses and Forecasts
A 2022 report from the Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute projected that climate change could lead to a reduction of 361,000 tonnes in annual milk production by 2039, translating into economic losses of INR 11.93 billion (USD 142 million). This forecast reflects the broader trend of increasing vulnerability in the northern plains, which are crucial to India’s milk production.
The direct and indirect effects of climate change on dairy farming are evident. Heat and humidity stress cattle, disrupt fodder production, and increase disease prevalence. For instance, Yunus, a farmer from Bulandshahar in Uttar Pradesh, has seen fodder prices surge due to crop failures triggered by extreme rainfall, resulting in higher costs and reduced milk output from his buffaloes.
Challenges and Policy Gaps
Despite efforts such as the National Livestock Mission, which aims to enhance productivity and fodder production, there is a notable lack of focus on climate adaptation. Namrata Ginoya, senior manager of the Resilience and Energy programme at the World Resources Institute India, points out that while farmers are becoming more aware of climate impacts, there is insufficient information on how to adapt cattle management practices effectively.
The National Innovations in Climate-Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) project, launched by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, seeks to address these challenges by researching climate-resilient cattle breeds and technologies. Although NICRA has produced valuable insights and pilot studies in vulnerable districts, the integration of these findings into national policies and practices remains limited.
The Indian dairy sector’s struggles highlight the urgent need for comprehensive climate adaptation strategies. Ensuring the sustainability of dairy farming and protecting farmers’ livelihoods will require targeted policies, improved access to climate adaptation resources, and greater investment in research and development. As the effects of climate change continue to intensify, the future of India’s milk industry will depend on its ability to adapt and mitigate these evolving challenges.
Also Read – Is Your Farm Ready for Summer? Top Tips to Help Cows Beat the Heat.
