The Deccan Herald critiques India’s dairy industry, particularly focusing on systemic flaws amid the global rise of veganism. It stresses that Indian dairy must prioritize improving milk quality, animal welfare, and food safety standards to remain competitive internationally.
The Deccan Herald, a leading national news publication in India, has sharply critiqued the Indian dairy sector’s defensive stance against the global rise of veganism. Instead of resisting, the publication urges India’s dairy industry, particularly in states like Gujarat and Maharashtra, to focus on systemic improvements in milk quality, animal welfare, and food safety.
Despite being the world’s largest milk producer, India trails behind developed nations in key areas such as product standardization, supply chain modernization, and regulatory compliance. The report highlights that widespread use of antibiotics, unethical cattle management practices, and frequent food adulteration are tarnishing India’s global image in dairy trade.
A concerning point raised was the Somatic Cell Count (SCC) in Indian milk, which often exceeds one million cells/ml, compared to international standards of under 400,000 cells/ml in countries like the United States and across the European Union. High SCC levels indicate poor udder health and compromised milk hygiene, directly affecting both public health and the nation’s export competitiveness.
The Deccan Herald emphasizes that the ongoing scrutiny around sustainability and animal welfare presents both a challenge and an opportunity. Rather than viewing veganism as a threat, Indian dairy companies are encouraged to see it as a catalyst for introspection and meaningful reforms.
By investing in traceable production systems, ethical animal care, and higher quality benchmarks, Indian dairy businesses can not only secure domestic consumer trust but also expand their presence in global markets. States such as Gujarat and Maharashtra, key dairy hubs, are expected to play pivotal roles in leading these changes.
The commentary concludes that for India to defend its traditional dairy dominance, embracing global health, sustainability, and ethics standards is no longer optional—it is imperative for long-term growth and survival.
