India’s dairy sector shines at the IDF Dairy Innovation Awards 2024 with groundbreaking entries in sustainability, animal care, and socio-economic development. Highlights include Amul’s homoeopathic medicine for animals, solar-based chillers from Asha Mahila, and high-protein milk from Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation.
The International Dairy Federation (IDF) has announced the finalists for the 2024 IDF Dairy Innovation Awards, with several Indian entries standing out for their groundbreaking contributions. The awards aim to recognize innovations in the dairy sector that improve efficiency and align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Winners will be revealed during the IDF World Dairy Summit 2024 in Paris on October 18.
India’s Innovations in Dairy
India’s dairy sector has made impressive strides, with several entries showcasing advancements across various categories:
1. Innovation in Sustainable Farming Practices – Environment
Danone – Les 2 Pieds sur Terre (France)
Although not Indian, Danone’s program significantly impacts global dairy practices, including those in India, by supporting regenerative agriculture.
Teagasc – AgNav (Ireland)
Similar to global practices, AgNav’s platform influences sustainability in Indian dairy farming through accurate data and decision-making tools.
2. Innovation in Sustainable Farming Practices – Animal Care
Amul Dairy – Homoeopathic Medicine for Dairy Animals (India)
Amul Dairy has pioneered the use of homoeopathic medicine to combat antimicrobial resistance. This innovative approach has successfully treated over 68,000 animals, reducing antibiotic use and promoting sustainable farming. Amul has distributed 180,000 bottles of homoeopathic medicine to date.
3. Innovation in Sustainable Farming Practices – Socio-Economic
National Dairy Development Board – Sundarban Cooperative Milk & Livestock Producers’ Union Limited (India)
This all-women cooperative empowers over 4,500 marginalised women farmers through organic dairy production and multi-commodity agriculture, enhancing their social status and economic stability.
4. Innovation in Sustainable Processing
Asha Mahila Milk Producer Company Limited – Solar-Based Instant Milk Chillers (India)
This initiative provides sustainable off-grid cooling solutions for smallholder dairy farmers, addressing the needs of rural geographies.
5. Innovation in New Product Development – Human Nutrition
Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd. – High-Protein Milk (India)
Amul has launched the world’s highest protein milk, catering to India’s protein-deficient population with affordable high-protein products.
6. Innovation in New Product Development – Equipment
Everest Instruments Pvt. Ltd. – FatScan (India)
The FatScan milk analyser measures key milk parameters accurately, improving milk quality and safety.
7. Innovation in Climate Action
STgenetics – Ecofeed® (USA)
While based in the USA, STgenetics’ Ecofeed® technology for reducing methane emissions is relevant to Indian dairy producers focusing on sustainable practices.
8. Innovation in Women Empowerment
Vansh Dairy Farm – Ajarpura Dairy Cooperative Society (India)
The Ajarpura Dairy Cooperative Society empowers women dairy farmers by providing training, creating new income opportunities, and boosting social status through diversified livelihood initiatives.
India’s entries in the IDF Dairy Innovation Awards 2024 highlight the country’s commitment to advancing dairy practices in sustainability, animal care, socio-economic development, processing, and more. These innovations reflect India’s dynamic approach to addressing global dairy challenges and contribute to a more sustainable and inclusive future for the dairy sector.
