Unlocking the potential: Addressing the paradox of India’s dairy sector

Unlocking the potential: Addressing the paradox of India’s dairy sector

Sunil Dutt¹, Sunita Didel¹ and  Satyabratta Roy¹

Ph.D. research scholars

¹Livestock Production Management Division

ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal (Haryana)

Corresponding author: Sunil Dutt (sdutt897@gmail.com)

Introduction

India, renowned for its rich biodiversity and cultural heritage, stands as the global leader in milk production. With diverse dairy genetic resources spanning indigenous cattle breeds, buffaloes, and goats, the nation boasts an impressive average annual milk production per dairy animal of 1172 kg, preceding that of prominent dairy powerhouses like Israel having 10214 kg, USA with 9332 kg, UK with 7101 kg Australia with 5100 kg and New Zealand with 3343 kg. However, behind this facade of abundance lies a perplexing reality: despite its prolific output, India grapples with poor productivity levels in its dairy sector.

At first glance, the numbers paint a promising picture. India has an average annual milk production per dairy animal stands at 1172 kg, a figure that seemingly positions the country at the forefront of global milk production. Yet, upon closer examination, a stark disparity emerges. While India’s total milk output may be substantial, the average daily milk yield per animal tells a different story. Indian exotic cattle, revered for their potential, yield an average of only 10.5 kg of milk per day. Crossbred cattle, a product of strategic breeding initiatives, fare marginally better with an average yield of 7.5 kg per day. Non-descript cattle, buffaloes, and goats exhibit even lower productivity levels, with daily milk yields of 2.5 kg, 5.15 kg, and a mere 0.46 kg, respectively.

This paradox of high production coupled with low productivity underscores the multifaceted challenges plaguing India’s dairy sector. Despite the nation’s vast genetic reservoir, factors ranging from suboptimal management practices to socioeconomic constraints contribute to this discrepancy. Inadequate feeding and nutrition regimes, limited access to healthcare services, and the predominance of smallholder farming systems hinder the realization of the genetic potential inherent in India’s dairy animals. Moreover, the focus on exotic breeds and crossbreeding programs has not yielded the anticipated improvements in productivity, further exacerbating the issue.

Addressing the productivity gap in India’s dairy sector requires a holistic approach that encompasses policy reforms, technological innovations, and grassroots interventions. Strengthening breeding strategies to leverage indigenous genetic resources, enhancing feeding and nutrition practices, and improving access to veterinary healthcare services are crucial steps towards enhancing productivity levels. Furthermore, empowering dairy farmers through capacity building initiatives, promoting market reforms, and fostering sustainable farming practices can catalyze positive transformations within the sector.

In the journey towards unlocking the full potential of India’s dairy sector, collaboration and concerted efforts from stakeholders across the value chain are imperative. By addressing the underlying challenges and harnessing the inherent strengths of its diverse genetic resources, India can transcend the paradox of high production and low productivity, ushering in a new era of sustainable growth and prosperity in its dairy industry. Major constraints and their mitigation strategies are discussed below.

1. Low genetic production potential

India, a country with a long-standing agricultural tradition, is home to a vast array of indigenous livestock breeds.  India has the largest population of cattle (over 190 million) and buffalo (around 109 million) in the world. India has a diverse range of livestock, including cattle, buffalo, sheep, goats, pigs, and poultry with current 220 indigenous livestock breeds including 53 for cattle, 20 for buffalo, 45 for sheep and 39 for goat.

These breeds are renowned for their hardiness and adaptability to the country’s diverse and often harsh climatic conditions. They can survive on low-quality pastures, making them invaluable to the subsistence farmers who rely on them for their livelihood. Despite their resilience, these indigenous breeds often have lower genetic production potential compared to their exotic counterparts. The genetic traits that enable them to thrive in harsh environments do not necessarily translate into high productivity in terms of milk, meat, or wool yield. For instance, while a high-yielding Holstein Friesian cow in the United States can produce over 9,000 kilograms of milk per year, an average indigenous cow in India produces significantly less, often only a fraction of that amount.

Factors contributing to low productivity

1. Genetic limitations: The primary genetic focus of indigenous breeds has been on survival rather than production. Over centuries, these breeds have adapted to endure adverse conditions, but this adaptation has not favored traits that maximize milk or meat output.
2. Inadequate breeding programs: India’s breeding programs have traditionally aimed at preserving the pure lineages of indigenous breeds rather than selectively enhancing traits related to productivity. While crossbreeding programs exist, their reach and effectiveness are often limited by logistical and infrastructural challenges.
3. Nutritional constraints: The ability of these breeds to survive on low-quality pastures is a double-edged sword. Poor nutrition, a common issue in many parts of rural India, further limits the productivity of these animals. Even the best genetic potential cannot be realized without adequate nutrition.
4. Lack of modern farming practices: Many smallholder farmers lack access to modern farming practices and technologies that could help increase productivity. Issues such as poor veterinary care, lack of proper housing, and inadequate disease management practices exacerbate the problem.

To address the low genetic production potential of Indian livestock, a multifaceted approach is necessary:

1. Selective breeding programs: Enhanced selective breeding programs that focus on both productivity and adaptability traits could help improve the genetic potential of indigenous breeds. By selectively breeding individuals that show higher milk or meat yields without compromising their hardiness, productivity can be gradually increased.
2. Crossbreeding initiatives: Responsible crossbreeding with high-yielding exotic breeds can introduce desirable traits into indigenous populations. However, such initiatives must be carefully managed to maintain the adaptability of the local breeds to the Indian environment.
3. Nutritional interventions: Improving the quality and availability of feed through better pasture management, fodder crops, and supplements can help realize the genetic potential of livestock. This includes educating farmers about balanced diets and sustainable feeding practices.
4. Improved farming practices: Promoting modern farming practices, including better housing, regular veterinary care, and efficient disease management, can significantly enhance livestock productivity. Extension services and farmer training programs play a vital role in disseminating this knowledge.
5. Policy support and infrastructure development: Government policies and investments in rural infrastructure, such as veterinary services, breeding centers, and feed supply chains, are crucial for supporting smallholder farmers in adopting these practices.

By leveraging the strengths of these breeds and implementing strategic interventions, India can enhance the productivity of its livestock sector, thereby improving rural livelihoods and contributing to the nation’s food security and economic growth.

1. Breeding practices

India’s livestock sector, though robust and diverse, faces significant challenges in realizing its full production potential. A critical constraint in this regard is the slower rate of improvement in productivity. This sluggish progress is attributed to several interrelated factors: the low success rate of artificial insemination (AI), the emphasis on conserving indigenous pure breeds over crossbreeding, the lower adaptation rate of AI for using superior germplasm, and the prevalent practice of natural service with locally available males of low genetic production potential. Together, these factors create a complex web of issues that hinder the enhancement of productivity in Indian livestock.

To overcome these constraints and accelerate productivity improvement in Indian livestock, several strategic interventions are necessary:

1. Enhancing AI success rates: Invest in training programs for AI technicians and improve infrastructure for semen storage and transportation. Increasing farmer awareness about the benefits of AI and providing incentives for its adoption can also help.
2. Balanced breeding programs: Develop breeding programs that balance the conservation of indigenous breeds with productivity improvements. Promote responsible crossbreeding strategies that enhance productivity without compromising genetic diversity.
3. Adapting superior germplasm: Focus on selecting germplasm from breeds that are better adapted to local conditions. Research and development can identify and propagate traits that combine high productivity with adaptability to Indian environments.
4. Encouraging modern practices: Educate farmers about the long-term benefits of AI over natural service and provide support to transition to modern breeding practices. Demonstration farms and success stories can help build trust and encourage adoption.
5. Fodder availability

India, home to one of the largest livestock populations in the world, faces a significant challenge in ensuring the availability of adequate and quality fodder for its animals. Fodder availability is a critical factor that directly influences the productivity and health of livestock. Despite the importance of this resource, India struggles with several constraints that hinder its effective provision. Rapid urbanization and industrialization have encroached upon traditional pasturelands, reducing the area available for grazing. The expansion of cities and infrastructure projects often takes precedence over the preservation of grazing lands.

Increasing demand for agricultural land to grow food crops has also led to the conversion of pasturelands into arable fields. This shift reduces the natural grazing areas available to livestock. The depletion of pasturelands forces livestock to rely more on cultivated fodder, which adds to the pressure on available agricultural land and resources.

As the Indian economy grows, the agricultural sector faces the dual challenge of producing enough food for the human population and fodder for livestock. However, the prioritization of commercial crops over fodder crops has significantly impacted fodder availability. The consequence is a shortage of dedicated fodder crops, which directly impacts the availability of nutritious feed for livestock.

Water scarcity is a pervasive issue in India, affecting both agriculture and livestock sectors. The availability and quality of water play a crucial role in fodder production. Fodder crops, like other agricultural crops, require adequate water for optimal growth. Scarcity of water due to irregular rainfall, droughts, and over-extraction of groundwater limits the cultivation of fodder crops.

Soil health is fundamental to successful crop production, including fodder crops. Declining soil health has resulted in lower yield and poorer quality of fodder crops, compounding the issue of fodder scarcity.

To address the constraints related to fodder availability and improve the production potential of Indian livestock, several strategic measures are necessary:

1. Sustainable land management: Implement policies to protect and restore pasturelands, promoting sustainable grazing practices and preventing land degradation. Integrating fodder crops into crop rotation systems can enhance soil health and ensure a steady supply of fodder.
2. Promotion of fodder crops: Encourage farmers to cultivate fodder crops by providing incentives, subsidies, and support for fodder production. Government policies should balance the focus on food security with the need for adequate fodder.
3. Water management: Improve water management practices through efficient irrigation systems, rainwater harvesting, and conservation techniques. Ensuring the availability of clean water for fodder crops is crucial for their growth and nutritional quality.
4. Soil health improvement: Promote sustainable farming practices that enhance soil health, such as the use of organic fertilizers, crop diversification, and conservation agriculture. Education and extension services can play a key role in disseminating knowledge about soil conservation techniques.
5. Climate factor

India’s livestock sector, which plays a vital role in the livelihoods of millions of farmers and contributes significantly to the nation’s economy, is heavily influenced by the country’s diverse and often extreme climatic conditions. The impact of climate on livestock productivity is multifaceted, involving factors such as fodder scarcity during lean dry months, reduced growth rates, and increased disease incidences due to the proliferation of vector populations.

To mitigate the impact of climatic constraints on livestock production, several strategic measures can be implemented:

1. Improved fodder management: Develop and promote practices for the efficient storage and preservation of fodder. Techniques such as silage making, hay production, and the cultivation of drought-resistant fodder crops can help ensure a steady supply of quality fodder throughout the year.
2. Water resource management: Implement water conservation and management practices, such as rainwater harvesting, to ensure adequate water availability for livestock during dry periods. Providing clean and sufficient water is crucial for maintaining livestock health and productivity.
3. Heat stress mitigation: Develop infrastructure to protect animals from extreme heat, such as shaded areas, proper ventilation in housing, and cooling systems. Providing adequate shelter and implementing heat stress management practices can significantly improve animal welfare and productivity.
4. Disease control and prevention: Strengthen disease surveillance and vector control programs to reduce the incidence of vector-borne diseases. Regular vaccination and deworming schedules, along with improved sanitation and hygiene practices, can help prevent disease outbreaks.
5. Climate-Resilient breeds: Promote the breeding and use of livestock breeds that are more resilient to climatic extremes. Indigenous breeds, which are naturally adapted to local conditions, can play a crucial role in building climate-resilient livestock systems.
6. The role of vaccination, deworming, and parasitic load

The Indian livestock sector, a cornerstone of rural livelihoods and a significant contributor to the national economy, faces several management-related constraints that hinder its full production potential. Among these constraints, the lack of proper vaccination and deworming schedules, coupled with a heavy parasitic load, stands out as a critical issue. Effective management practices are essential for maintaining the health and productivity of livestock, and addressing these specific challenges is crucial for the sector’s growth and sustainability.

Inadequate vaccination practices

Vaccination is a fundamental aspect of preventive veterinary care, crucial for protecting livestock from various infectious diseases. However, the implementation of vaccination programs in India faces several challenges:

• Lack of awareness: Many farmers lack awareness about the importance of regular vaccination. This knowledge gap results in irregular or incomplete vaccination schedules, leaving animals vulnerable to diseases.
• Accessibility and availability: In rural and remote areas, access to veterinary services and vaccines is limited. The availability of vaccines, particularly for less common diseases, can be inconsistent, leading to gaps in vaccination coverage.
• Cold chain maintenance: Vaccines require proper storage and handling to remain effective. Maintaining the cold chain, especially in areas with limited infrastructure, is a significant challenge. Breaks in the cold chain can render vaccines ineffective.
• Cost and economic constraints: The cost of vaccines and veterinary services can be prohibitive for small and marginal farmers. Economic constraints often lead to prioritizing immediate needs over preventive measures, resulting in skipped vaccinations.

Consequences of inadequate vaccination

The lack of proper vaccination schedules has several detrimental effects on livestock health and productivity:

• Disease outbreaks: Unvaccinated animals are at a higher risk of contracting infectious diseases such as Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), Brucellosis, and Bovine Viral Diarrhea (BVD). Disease outbreaks can lead to significant mortality and morbidity, impacting overall productivity.
• Reduced productivity: Animals suffering from diseases often exhibit reduced growth rates, lower milk production, and poor reproductive performance. This directly affects the economic viability of livestock farming.
• Increased veterinary costs: Treating diseases after they occur is often more expensive and less effective than preventive measures. Farmers incur higher costs for veterinary care, medication, and sometimes, the loss of entire herds.

Inadequate deworming practices

Deworming is another critical component of livestock management, essential for controlling parasitic infections. However, deworming practices in India are often inadequate due to several factors:

• Irregular deworming schedules: Many farmers do not adhere to regular deworming schedules, resulting in a heavy parasitic load in livestock. Irregular deworming can lead to the development of drug-resistant parasites.
• Lack of knowledge: There is a general lack of knowledge among farmers about the importance of deworming and the life cycle of parasites. This ignorance leads to sporadic and ineffective deworming practices.
• Economic barriers: Similar to vaccination, the cost of deworming drugs and veterinary services can be a barrier for many farmers. Economic constraints often result in the neglect of preventive health measures.

Heavy parasitic load and its impact

The heavy parasitic load in livestock due to inadequate deworming practices has severe implications:

• Nutritional deficiencies: Parasites, such as gastrointestinal worms and liver flukes, compete with the host for nutrients, leading to malnutrition and poor body condition. Affected animals show reduced weight gain and lower milk yields.
• Health complications: Parasitic infections can cause various health issues, including anemia, diarrhea, and liver damage. Chronic parasitic infestations weaken the immune system, making animals more susceptible to other diseases.
• Economic losses: The economic impact of parasitic infections is significant, with losses due to decreased productivity, increased veterinary costs, and sometimes, the death of heavily infested animals.

To mitigate the impact of inadequate vaccination and deworming practices and reduce the heavy parasitic load, several strategic measures need to be implemented:

1. Education and awareness programs: Conduct extensive education and awareness campaigns to inform farmers about the importance of regular vaccination and deworming. Training programs can help farmers understand the benefits and techniques of proper livestock management.
2. Improving access to veterinary services: Enhance the accessibility and availability of veterinary services, particularly in rural and remote areas. Mobile veterinary clinics and community animal health workers can play a vital role in reaching underserved regions.
3. Strengthening supply chains: Ensure a consistent supply of vaccines and deworming drugs by strengthening supply chains and cold chain management. Government and private sector collaboration can help improve the distribution and storage of essential veterinary products.
4. Subsidies and financial support: Provide financial support and subsidies to small and marginal farmers to offset the costs of vaccination and deworming. Government schemes and cooperative models can facilitate access to affordable veterinary care.
5. Regular monitoring and record-keeping: Encourage farmers to maintain records of vaccination and deworming schedules. Regular monitoring and follow-up by veterinary authorities can help ensure compliance and effectiveness.
6. Impact of nutritional deficiencies during calf-hood and heifer Stages

The livestock sector in India plays a pivotal role in the agricultural economy, providing essential sources of protein, labor, and income for millions of rural households. However, the production potential of Indian livestock, particularly dairy animals, is significantly constrained by various management-related issues. Among these, the lack of balanced nutrition during the crucial developmental stages of calf-hood and heifer stages stands out as a critical factor. Inadequate nutrition during these formative periods affects growth, causes delayed puberty and sexual maturity, impacts lifetime production potential, and leads to parturition issues such as dystocia and retention of the placenta. Addressing these nutritional deficiencies is essential for optimizing the health, productivity, and overall well-being of dairy animals in India.

To overcome the challenges of nutritional deficiencies during calfhood and heifer stages, several strategic interventions can be implemented:

1. Education and Training Programs: Conduct extensive education and training programs to raise awareness among farmers about the importance of balanced nutrition. Providing knowledge on proper feeding practices and the benefits of investing in high-quality feed can lead to significant improvements.
2. Economic Support and Subsidies: Provide financial support and subsidies to small and marginal farmers to make high-quality feed and supplements more affordable. Government schemes and cooperative models can facilitate access to these resources.
3. Improving Feed Supply Chains: Strengthen feed supply chains to ensure the timely and consistent availability of commercial feed and supplements. Investing in infrastructure and logistics can help overcome access barriers.
4. Development of Local Feed Resources: Promote the development and utilization of local feed resources, such as fodder cultivation and forage conservation techniques, to mitigate the impact of seasonal variations.
5. Nutritional Supplement Programs: Implement programs that provide nutritional supplements, especially during critical growth periods. These programs can include the distribution of mineral blocks, feed additives, and fortified concentrates.
6. Poor Adoption of New Interventions

India’s indigenous livestock breeds are integral to the nation’s agricultural landscape, providing livelihoods for millions of small and marginal farmers while contributing significantly to the country’s food security and rural economy. However, despite their importance, the exploration and improvement of the production potential of Indian indigenous livestock face a critical constraint: the poor adoption of new interventions. This constraint arises from various factors, including economic constraints, lack of knowledge and awareness among livestock keepers, and uneconomical investments due to market insecurity, lack of value addition, undeveloped secondary sectors, and high environmental fluctuations. Addressing these challenges is essential for unlocking the full potential of Indian indigenous livestock and ensuring sustainable growth in the sector.

Addressing the poor adoption of new interventions in Indian indigenous livestock requires a multi-faceted approach that addresses economic, knowledge, market, and environmental constraints:

1. Financial Support: Providing financial support mechanisms such as subsidies, grants, and low-interest loans can help small and marginal farmers overcome economic constraints and invest in new interventions.
2. Education and Extension Services: Strengthening extension services and providing farmer training programs can enhance knowledge and awareness about new interventions, their benefits, and best practices in livestock management.
3. Market Development: Developing value-added products, establishing market linkages, and improving market infrastructure can enhance the economic viability of adopting new interventions by creating stable and lucrative markets for livestock products.
4. Climate Resilience: Implementing climate-smart livestock management practices, promoting sustainable natural resource management, and building resilience to environmental fluctuations can help mitigate production risks and encourage investment in new interventions.
5. Research and Innovation: Investing in research and innovation in livestock breeding, nutrition, health, and management can lead to the development of cost-effective and context-specific interventions tailored to the needs of Indian indigenous livestock systems.

Conclusion:

India is a global leader in milk production, boasting an impressive annual output per dairy animal. However, while the total milk output is substantial, the productivity per animal remains low, revealing a stark disparity. Indian exotic cattle yield an average of only 10.5 kg of milk per day, while crossbred cattle produce marginally better at 7.5 kg per day. Non-descript cattle, buffaloes, and goats exhibit even lower productivity levels. The low genetic production potential of indigenous livestock breeds poses a significant constraint on the sector’s overall productivity. Addressing this issue requires efforts to improve genetic potential through selective breeding, better nutrition, and modern farming practices. Fodder availability is another constraint, with challenges like pastureland depletion and water scarcity. Climate conditions, such as extreme weather and fodder scarcity, further hinder livestock productivity. Inadequate management practices, including poor vaccination and deworming schedules, exacerbate the issue. Additionally, the poor adoption of new interventions due to economic constraints, lack of knowledge, and market insecurity impedes progress. Overcoming these challenges demands a comprehensive approach involving financial support, education, market development, climate resilience, and research and innovation to unlock the full potential of India’s indigenous livestock breeds and ensure sustainable rural livelihoods.

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