Production Performance of Dairy Animals in Indian Perspective
Sanjiv Kumar*, Ritesh Patel, Puja Kri Bhagat, M. Ajay Gopal and Vishal Kr. Sinha
Department of Veterinary Pathology, Bihar Veterinary College, Patna-14
Introduction
India holds the top in both milk production and consumption globally, boasting a massive dairy sector that fuels the nation’s economy and provides vital nutrients for its citizens. This industry, with its over 300 million bovines – the largest population in the world – produces an impressive 230.58 million tonnes of milk annually. However, a closer look reveals a paradox: despite reigning supreme in production, India struggles with relatively low milk yield per animal compared to international benchmarks. This disparity can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the Indian dairy sector is largely unorganized, controlled by small, marginal farmers who trust on traditional, low-tech methods of breeding and animal husbandry. These methods often involve inadequate feeding practices, poor quality fodder and limited access to veterinary services, all of which contribute to lower milk output. Secondly, the majority of cows in India are indigenous breeds, known for their hardiness but with naturally lower milk production potential compared to high-yielding breeds found in developed nations. While these breeds are well-adapted to the local climate and require less resource-intensive care, they cannot compete in terms of sheer milk volume. Thirdly, challenges related to infrastructure and logistics further hinder efficiency. The vast majority of milk production occurs in rural areas, and the cold chain network – crucial for preserving the perishable product – is underdeveloped. This leads to spoilage and wastage, impacting overall productivity.
Despite these hurdles, India’s dairy sector is not without its bright spots. The success story of Operation Flood, a massive dairy development program launched in the 1970s, transformed India from a milk-deficient nation to a global leader. This initiative established a network of cooperatives that empowered small milk producers, ensured fair prices, and improved processing and marketing infrastructure. Additionally, there’s a growing focus on improving cattle breeds through selective breeding programs and introducing high-yielding breeds like Holstein Friesians. Technological advancements like artificial insemination and better quality feed are also gaining traction. These efforts, coupled with government initiatives to strengthen the cold chain network and support infrastructure development in rural areas, hold promise for bridging the gap between India’s current production and its full potential. The future of India’s dairy sector hinges on its ability to address these issues head-on, by embracing modernization, empowering small farmers, and prioritizing animal welfare.
Operation Flood
Since its founding in 1970, Operation Flood has assisted dairy farmers in taking charge of their own growth and the resources they produce. By connecting milk producers across India with customers in more than 700 towns and cities, a National Milk Grid lowers seasonal and regional pricing differences while guaranteeing that the producer consistently receives fair market prices in an open and transparent manner. Three stages comprised the execution of Operation Flood –
Phase 1 (1970-1980) – It was funded by the World Food Programmed and the sale of butter oil and skim milk powder, which were gifts from the European Union and then the EEC. Operation Flood connected 18 of India’s best milk sheds with customers in the country’s four largest cities—Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai—during its initial phase.
Phase 2 (1981-1985) – It raised the number of milk sheds from 18 to 136; 290 urban marketplaces increased the number of milk outlets. By the end of 1985, 4.25 million milk producers were part of an independent network of 43,000 village cooperatives. The dairies established under Operation Flood accounted for the entire increase in domestic milk powder production, which rose from 22,000 tons in the pre-project year to 140,000 tons by 1989. Thus, the World Bank loan and EEC gifts contributed to the development of self-reliance. Producers’ cooperatives saw a daily rise of several million liters in milk sales through direct marketing.
Phase 3 (1985-1996) – It made it possible for dairy cooperatives to fortify and grow the infrastructure needed to acquire and sell larger quantities of milk. Cooperative members now have access to increased member education, feed, and services for artificial insemination and first-aid veterinary treatment. It gave a greater focus on the advancement of animal nutrition and health research. The improved productivity of milch animals was facilitated by innovations such as mineral blocks made of urea-molasses, bypass protein diet, and a vaccination against theileriosis.
Economic Importance of Dairy Sector
The dairy sector is a vital component of India’s agricultural economy, playing a significant role in the country’s economic growth and development. The sector contributes substantially to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and provides livelihood to millions of rural households, thereby contributing to the overall economic well-being of the population. According to the Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying & Fisheries, the livestock sector, which includes dairy, contributes 4.11% to the national GDP and 25.63% to the value of output from agriculture and allied sectors. This indicates the sector’s substantial contribution to the country’s economic growth. Furthermore, milk alone accounts for 66% of the total output from the livestock sector, highlighting its importance in the sector’s overall performance. The dairy sector also plays a crucial role in ensuring nutritional security for the population. Milk is a primary source of animal protein for many Indians, and the progressive increase in milk production has improved per-capita consumption, contributing to better nutrition and health outcomes. This is particularly significant in a country where malnutrition is a significant public health concern. The dairy sector’s impact on the economy and nutrition is multifaceted. On one hand, it provides employment opportunities to millions of rural households, thereby contributing to the overall economic well-being of the population. On the other hand, it ensures a steady supply of milk and dairy products, which are essential for maintaining good health and nutrition. In addition to its economic and nutritional significance, the dairy sector also has a significant impact on the country’s agricultural development. The sector is a major user of agricultural inputs such as feed, fertilizers, and pesticides, which in turn supports the growth of the agricultural sector as a whole.
Challenges and Mitigation Strategies in the Dairy Sector
The Indian dairy sector faces several challenges that hinder productivity, despite its economic importance. These challenges can be broadly categorized into four main areas: feed and nutrition, genetic potential, management practices, and infrastructure.
Addressing the challenges in the Indian dairy sector requires a multi-faceted approach involving policy interventions, technological advancements, and capacity building. The National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) and the government have implemented various initiatives to tackle the issues of feed and nutrition, genetic potential, management practices, and infrastructure. Here are the key mitigation strategies of the challenges faced by Indian Farmers:
- Challenges of Genetic Potential
The genetic potential of Indian dairy animals is another critical factor affecting productivity. Indigenous breeds generally have lower milk yields compared to crossbred and exotic breeds. Crossbreeding programs have shown promise, with Holstein crosses with elite indigenous breeds demonstrating superior milk output. However, maintaining the quality of crossbred animals and preventing genetic dilution remains a challenge. This is because the genetic makeup of the animals can be affected by the breeding process, leading to a loss of desirable traits.
Strategies to mitigate: The genetic potential of Indian dairy animals is another critical factor affecting productivity. The government has implemented the Rashtriya Gokul Mission, which aims to develop and conserve indigenous breeds while promoting crossbreeding with high-yielding exotic breeds. This program focuses on improving the genetic makeup of dairy animals to enhance their milk production potential. To ensure quality control in breeding programs, the government has introduced modern technologies like sex-sorted semen and in vitro fertilization. These technologies help in producing high-quality crossbred animals with superior genetic potential, thereby increasing overall milk production.
- Challenges in Feed and Nutrition
One of the primary challenges is the availability and quality of feed. Imbalanced feeding, where animals are fed locally available concentrate feed ingredients without considering their nutritional requirements, adversely impacts productivity and health. This is because the animals may not be receiving the necessary nutrients to maintain optimal health and productivity. The shortage of quality feed and fodder is a significant constraint, with a persistent deficit in dry matter availability. This means that farmers may not have access to the necessary resources to provide their animals with a balanced diet, leading to reduced productivity and health.
Strategies to mitigate: One of the primary challenges in the dairy sector is the availability and quality of feed. To address the issue of imbalanced feeding, the NDDB has developed a Ration Balancing Programme (RBP) that uses user-friendly software to prepare least-cost balanced rations for dairy cattle. This program has shown positive results in increasing milk yield and reducing feeding costs. The RBP helps farmers formulate balanced rations based on the nutritional requirements of their animals, ensuring that they receive the necessary nutrients for optimal health and productivity. Additionally, the government has launched initiatives under the National Livestock Mission to expand the availability of quality feed and fodder. These initiatives aim to bridge the deficit in dry matter availability by promoting the cultivation of high-yielding fodder varieties and improving the storage and distribution of feed resources.
- Management Practices Challenges
Management practices, including animal health, breeding, and milking practices, significantly influence productivity. Insufficient knowledge and skills among farmers regarding modern dairy farming practices lead to suboptimal management. This can result in reduced productivity, as farmers may not be using the most effective methods to manage their animals. Additionally, diseases such as Foot and Mouth Disease and Brucellosis affect animal health and productivity. These diseases can have a significant impact on the dairy sector, as they can reduce milk production and lead to the loss of animals.
Strategies to mitigate: Capacity building and training programs for farmers on modern dairy farming practices are essential for improving management practices. The NDDB and state governments have initiated programs to train farmers on best practices in animal health, breeding, and milking. These programs are implemented through Local Resource Persons (LRPs) who provide on-ground support and training to farmers. The government has also launched the National Animal Disease Control Programme to implement disease control measures. This program aims to prevent and control diseases like Foot and Mouth Disease and Brucellosis, which can significantly impact animal health and productivity.
- Challenges of Infrastructure and Support Services
The lack of adequate infrastructure and support services, such as veterinary care, artificial insemination, and milk collection centres, further hampers productivity. Access to affordable credit and insurance is also limited, affecting farmers’ ability to invest in improving their dairy operations. This can make it difficult for farmers to access the resources they need to improve their productivity and profitability. In conclusion, the Indian dairy sector faces several challenges that hinder productivity. These challenges can be broadly categorized into feed and nutrition, genetic potential, management practices, and infrastructure. Addressing these challenges will require a comprehensive approach that involves policy interventions, technological advancements, and capacity building.
Strategies to mitigate: Investing in infrastructure, such as veterinary clinics, artificial insemination centers, and milk collection facilities, is crucial for improving dairy productivity. The government has allocated funds under the National Livestock Mission to develop these essential services. By providing access to veterinary care, artificial insemination, and efficient milk collection systems, farmers can better manage their animals and ensure timely delivery of milk to processing units. Additionally, the government has introduced schemes to provide affordable credit and insurance to dairy farmers. These schemes enable farmers to invest in improving their dairy operations, such as upgrading their animals, purchasing modern equipment, and adopting better management practices. To enhance the effectiveness of these interventions, the government has focused on integrating various schemes and targeting milk-producing zones. By concentrating resources and efforts on areas with high milk production potential, the government aims to maximize the impact of its initiatives and drive sustainable growth in the dairy sector
Conclusion
The low productivity of Indian dairy animals is a multifaceted issue that requires a comprehensive approach to address. By improving feed and nutrition, enhancing genetic potential, strengthening management practices, and developing infrastructure and support services, India can significantly boost the productivity of its dairy sector. These efforts will not only enhance the economic viability of dairy farming but also contribute to the nutritional security and overall well-being of the population.
References
- Chauhan, T. R., & Sharma, K. (2019). “Dairy Development in India: Impact of Operation Flood.” Agricultural Economics Research Review, 32(2), 187-197.
- National Dairy Development Board (NDDB). (2020). “Ration Balancing Programme.”
- Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying. (2023). “Annual Report 2022-23.” Government of India.
- Kurien, V. (2007). “I Too Had a Dream.” Roli Books.
- Sinha, S. (2015). “India’s Dairy Revolution: The Impact of Operation Flood.” Food Policy, 54, 1-8.
- Singh, M., & Chander, M. (2019). “Technological Innovations and Their Impact on Dairy Industry in India.” Indian Journal of Animal Sciences, 87(11), 1371-1380.
- Sharma, A., & Singh, D. K. (2018). “Enhancing Genetic Potential of Dairy Cattle in India: An Overview.” Journal of Animal Research, 8(2), 265-278.
- Mishra, A. K., & Kumar, A. (2021). “Nutritional Security through Dairy Sector: The Case of India.” Agricultural Economics Research Review, 33(1), 1-14.
- Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare. (2020). “Rashtriya Gokul Mission: Guidelines.” Government of India.
- Patil, V. C. (2021). “Economic Impact of Dairy Cooperatives in India.” Indian Journal of Agricultural Economics, 71(3), 283-299.
*Professor, Department of Veterinary Pathology, Bihar Veterinary College, Patna-14
email: mrsanvet@rediffmail.com
