India aims to boost its global milk production share to one-third by 2030 through improved breeding, nutrition, and health practices in the dairy sector.
India is setting its sights on a groundbreaking goal for the dairy industry: to increase its share of global milk production to one-third by 2030. Spearheaded by the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), this ambitious mission focuses on enhancing the reproduction, nutrition, and health of dairy cattle to drive up productivity. The initiative is poised to significantly benefit livestock farmers and boost the country’s economy.
Current Status and Goals
As of now, India contributes approximately 24% of global milk production, accounting for 4-5% of the national GDP. According to Meenesh Shah, Chairman of the NDDB, the aim is to elevate India’s share to 30% by 2030. This represents a substantial increase and positions India as a global leader in dairy production.
Strategies for Increasing Animal Productivity
A central element of Mission 2030 is improving animal productivity. Despite being the world’s largest milk producer, India’s productivity per animal lags behind that of developed countries. The NDDB, in collaboration with the central government, is prioritizing several key areas to boost productivity:
- Reproduction: Enhancing breeding programs to improve the genetic quality of dairy cattle.
- Genetic Improvement: Implementing advanced breeding techniques such as artificial insemination (AI) and genomic selection to enhance genetic traits like milk yield, disease resistance, and adaptability.
- Breeding Programs: Developing and promoting targeted breeding programs to increase the genetic diversity and improve the overall health and productivity of dairy herds.
- Data and Research: Utilizing data analytics and research to identify and propagate high-performance genetic lines, and ensuring that breeders have access to cutting-edge technologies and practices.
- Nutrition: Implementing better feeding practices to ensure optimal growth and milk production.
- Balanced Diet: Formulating and providing balanced and nutritious feed that meets the specific needs of dairy cattle at different life stages, including lactation, growth, and reproduction.
- Feed Quality: Ensuring the use of high-quality feed ingredients and supplements to improve feed conversion efficiency and milk yield.
- Precision Feeding: Adopting precision feeding techniques to tailor nutrition plans to individual animals based on their health status, production level, and other factors.
- Forage Management: Improving forage management practices to enhance the quality and availability of pasture and silage.
- Health: Investing in veterinary services and health management to reduce disease and improve overall cattle welfare.
- Preventive Healthcare: Implementing comprehensive vaccination programs to protect against common and emerging diseases, and promoting regular health check-ups and screenings.
- Disease Management: Developing and applying disease management strategies, including biosecurity measures, to prevent outbreaks and manage existing health issues.
- Veterinary Support: Enhancing access to skilled veterinary professionals and improving veterinary infrastructure to provide timely and effective health care.
- Animal Welfare: Focusing on animal welfare practices to ensure the well-being of dairy cattle, including proper housing, sanitation, and humane treatment.
Maintaining Growth Rates
India has experienced a consistent annual increase in milk production of about 6% over the past five to six years, compared to a global growth rate of 2%. Sustaining this growth rate is crucial to achieving the 2030 target. The NDDB is actively involved in initiatives across various states, including a recent joint venture with the Assam government to advance the dairy sector.
Cooperative Movement and Infrastructure Development
A significant component of the strategy involves expanding the cooperative movement. The NDDB plans to increase milk procurement and integrate more farmers into cooperative societies. For instance, Meenesh Shah, who also leads the West Assam Milk Producers Cooperative Society (WAMUL), is overseeing the development of new infrastructure, including an upgraded processing plant.
Government Support and Public Engagement
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has endorsed the mission, highlighting the progress made in milk production during the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF). Under his leadership, milk production has surged by about 60% over the past decade, and per capita milk availability has risen by approximately 40%.
The role of women in the dairy sector is also notable, as they manage a significant portion of the industry’s activities. Women-run dairy enterprises contribute to a substantial part of the sector’s turnover, surpassing that of wheat, rice, and sugarcane combined.
Future Targets and Challenges
In addition to increasing milk production, the mission includes goals such as eradicating diseases like foot-and-mouth disease by 2030. This comprehensive approach aims to not only expand production but also ensure the health and sustainability of the dairy sector.
Mission 2030 represents a bold and strategic plan to transform India into a global dairy powerhouse. By focusing on productivity, expanding cooperative movements, and leveraging government support, India is poised to make significant strides in the dairy industry. The success of this mission will not only enhance the country’s global position but also deliver substantial benefits to its farmers and the national economy.
