LOW PRODUCTIVITY OF INDIAN DAIRY ANIMALS: CHALLENGES AND MITIGATION STRATEGIES

LOW PRODUCTIVITY OF INDIAN DAIRY ANIMALS: CHALLENGES AND MITIGATION STRATEGIES

Introduction:

India, renowned for its dairy industry, ranks among the top milk-producing countries globally. However, despite its significant contribution, the productivity of Indian dairy animals remains comparatively low. This issue poses challenges to both the sustainability of the dairy sector and the livelihoods of millions dependent on it. Understanding the factors contributing to this low productivity and implementing effective mitigation strategies are crucial for enhancing the efficiency and competitiveness of Indian dairy farming. Millions of people in India rely on dairying not only for sustenance but also as a crucial source of nutrition and livelihood. According to estimates provided by the FAO in 2011, investing in the livestock sector in India yields remarkable returns, with each dollar invested generating USD 4.7 in returns, compared to USD 3.6 in agriculture and USD 2.9 in the manufacturing and service sectors. The transformative impact of the White Revolution on the Indian dairy industry cannot be overstated. This movement has not only led to a substantial increase in milk output but has also bolstered animal protein security and contributed significantly to the fight against hunger.

India’s ascent to becoming the world’s largest milk producer was swift, occurring shortly after gaining independence. With a production of 222 million tons in 2022–2023, India’s dairy industry continues to scale new heights. Projections indicate that this figure is poised to reach 628 million tons by 2047, fueled by the burgeoning demand for dairy products driven by factors such as population growth, increasing purchasing power, and a growing emphasis on nutrition. Currently, India accounts for 24% of the global milk production, a testament to the sector’s significance on the global stage

Nutritionists advocate for a daily intake of 380 millilitres of milk per individual for maintaining optimal health. However, the utilization of milk in India presents a nuanced picture. Approximately 48% of the total milk production is consumed as fresh liquid milk, while the remaining 52% is channelled to non-producing regions. This distribution is facilitated by various stakeholders, with cooperatives handling 50%, the private organized sector managing 20%, and the unorganized sector dealing with the remaining 30%.

India boasts the world’s finest and most extensive buffalo germplasm, with the Indian Murrah breed hailed as the pinnacle of buffalo milk quality. The preference for buffaloes among milk producers is evident in the consistent growth of the buffalo population in India, which surged from 43.4 million in 1951 to 109.9 million in 2016. In comparison, the cattle population stands at 53 million, reflecting the prevalent inclination towards buffaloes for milk production.

However, the productivity of Indian dairy animals faces significant hurdles stemming from various challenges. These include genetic limitations, inadequate nutrition, subpar healthcare, and inefficient management practices. Addressing these challenges necessitates a concerted effort and the implementation of targeted mitigation strategies aimed at unlocking the full potential of the Indian dairy sector.

Challenges Contributing to Low Productivity:

1. Genetic Limitations: Traditional Indian dairy breeds, while well-adapted to local conditions, often exhibit lower milk yields compared to their international counterparts. Limited efforts have been made to systematically breed for higher productivity traits, resulting in genetic stagnation.
2. Nutritional Deficiencies: Inadequate nutrition, characterized by imbalanced diets lacking essential nutrients, significantly affects the productivity of dairy animals. Many smallholder farmers lack access to quality feed and nutritional supplements necessary for optimal animal health and performance.
3. Health Issues: Diseases and health challenges such as mastitis, foot-and-mouth disease, and parasitic infestations are prevalent among Indian dairy animals. Poor veterinary infrastructure and inadequate disease management practices exacerbate these issues, leading to reduced productivity and increased mortality rates.
4. Poor Reproductive Performance: Suboptimal reproductive management practices, including late puberty, irregular estrus cycles, and low conception rates, contribute to prolonged calving intervals and decreased overall productivity of dairy herds.
5. Lack of Technological Adoption: Limited adoption of modern farming practices, including artificial insemination, improved housing systems, and advanced healthcare technologies, hinders productivity gains in the dairy sector. Many farmers remain unaware of or lack access to these technologies.

Mitigation Strategies:

1. Selective Breeding Programs: Implementing systematic selective breeding programs aimed at enhancing the genetic potential of indigenous dairy breeds can lead to the development of high-yielding and disease-resistant animals better suited to Indian conditions.
2. Improved Nutrition Management: Promoting the adoption of balanced diet formulations and providing access to quality feed and fodder resources can address nutritional deficiencies and improve the overall health and productivity of dairy animals.
3. Enhanced Veterinary Services: Strengthening veterinary infrastructure, expanding outreach programs for disease prevention and control, and promoting regular health check-ups and vaccination schedules can significantly reduce disease burden and improve animal welfare.
4. Reproductive Health Services:Providing comprehensive reproductive health services, including timely estrus detection, artificial insemination, and pregnancy diagnosis, can optimize reproductive efficiency and shorten calving intervals, leading to increased productivity.
5. Technology Transfer and Training: Facilitating the dissemination of modern farming technologies through training programs, workshops, and extension services can empower farmers with the knowledge and skills required to adopt innovative practices and improve productivity on their farms.

The objectives of the dairy sector in India encompass various aspects, including economic, social, and nutritional dimensions. These objectives are formulated to address the challenges faced by the dairy industry and to leverage its potential for sustainable growth and development.

Here are some key objectives of the dairy sector in India:

1. 1. Enhancing Milk Production: One of the primary objectives of the dairy sector is to increase milk production to meet the growing demand for dairy products. This involves adopting strategies to improve the productivity of dairy animals, including selective breeding, better nutrition management, and effective disease control measures.
2. Improving Dairy Farmers’ Livelihoods: The dairy sector plays a crucial role in rural livelihoods, especially for smallholder farmers. Empowering dairy farmers by providing access to resources, training, and market linkages is essential for improving their income and socio-economic status.
3. Promoting Dairy Cooperatives: Dairy cooperatives, such as the Amul model, have been instrumental in revolutionizing the dairy sector in India. Encouraging the formation and strengthening of dairy cooperatives helps in empowering farmers, ensuring fair prices for their produce, and enhancing market access.
4. Ensuring Food Security:Dairy products are rich sources of essential nutrients, including protein, calcium, and vitamins. Promoting dairy consumption and ensuring the availability of safe and affordable dairy products contribute to addressing malnutrition and improving overall food security in the country.
5. Sustainable Dairy Farming Practices: Sustainability is a key focus area in the dairy sector, encompassing environmental, social, and economic dimensions. Adopting eco-friendly practices, such as efficient resource utilization, waste management, and biodiversity conservation, is crucial for ensuring the long-term viability of dairy farming.
6. 6. Enhancing Value Addition: Value addition in the dairy sector involves processing milk into various dairy products, such as cheese, yogurt, and ice cream. Promoting value-added dairy products not only increases the marketability of dairy produce but also creates opportunities for entrepreneurship and employment generation.
7. Ensuring Quality and Safety: Maintaining quality and safety standards in dairy production, processing, and distribution is essential for consumer confidence and market competitiveness. Implementing stringent quality control measures, hygiene practices, and food safety regulations helps in safeguarding public health and enhancing consumer trust.
8. Promoting Research and Innovation: Investing in research and innovation is crucial for driving advancements in dairy technology, animal husbandry practices, and value chain management. Supporting research institutions, fostering collaborations, and incentivizing innovation can lead to breakthroughs that benefit the entire dairy sector.
9. Facilitating Market Access: Access to markets, both domestic and international, is critical for dairy farmers to sell their produce profitably. Improving market infrastructure, enhancing market linkages, and facilitating trade agreements can expand market opportunities for dairy products and boost farmers’ incomes.
10. Empowering Women in Dairy Farming:Women play a significant role in dairy farming, especially in rural areas. Empowering women through training, access to resources, and participation in decision-making processes strengthens the resilience and sustainability of dairy households and communities.

Overall, the objectives of the dairy sector in India revolve around enhancing productivity, improving livelihoods, ensuring food security, promoting sustainability, and fostering inclusive growth. Achieving these objectives requires collaborative efforts from government agencies, dairy cooperatives, private sector stakeholders, civil society organizations, and farmers themselves, with a focus on innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability.

ANIMAL

Jersey and Holstein-Friesians are pure exotic breeds that are excellent milk producers. Raising exotic animals does have its disadvantages, though, especially given India’s hot and humid climate. They are expensive to raise because they usually eat a lot of feed and are not susceptible to tropical diseases. On the other hand, native breeds yield less milk than foreign cows, resulting in reduced milk sales revenue. On the other hand, it does have some advantages, such as low feed consumption, low maintenance expenses, better environmental adaption, and a high resistance to topical bovine disease. Crossbreds, which flourish in tropical regions, mix the greatest traits from native and exotic breeds. For the purpose of producing milk, Indian cow varieties including Sahiwal, Gir, Red Sindhi, and Tharparkar are crucial, as are buffalo breeds.

FEED

Adequate nutrition and scientific feeding practices are essential for the healthy growth of dairy animals. A 5- to 10-liter milk producing animal receives 15 kg of green feed, 5 kg of dry feed, and 2 kg of concentrate; an animal producing 5 to 10 liters of milk may receive 17.5 kg of green feed, 5.5 kg of dry feed, and 3 kg of concentrate. following calving, concentrates should be increased while fodder should be chopped into small pieces. The peak time should be between 70 and 140 days following calving. Pregnant and nursing animals need to be fed enough crude fiber, and supplemented feed should contain 16–20% crude protein.
At least some of the necessary forages, such as hybrid napier, berseem maize, lucerne, etc., should be produced on the farmer’s own property. To lower production costs, farmers should grow at least some of the necessary forages, such as lucerne, berseem maize, and hybrid napier, on their own land. The dairy animals are fed substances including wheat bran, oil cakes, molasses, chicken excrement, and feed additives like vitamins and minerals. The ratio of legume to non-legume feed is kept at 1:3. The dairy animals are fed azolla, which has 20–30% protein. To lessen the mineral shortage of animals from mineral-deficient zones, an area-specific mineral mixture can be fed to the animals.

The care and management of milch animals, such as cows and buffaloes, are vital for their health, productivity, and overall well-being. Proper practices in housing, nutrition, water supply, healthcare, and reproductive management contribute to maximizing milk production and enhancing profitability. Maintaining hygiene during milking, keeping records, understanding animal behavior, and providing training ensure effective management. Continuous improvement through monitoring and adaptation of practices leads to sustainable and profitable dairy farming operations.

 Management of housing
In order to improve animal welfare, reproduction, productivity, health, and milk quality, as well as farm profitability, housing management has changed. The goal of all housing schemes is to make cows more comfortable. Housing that preserves the health and hygiene of cows while allowing spontaneous behavior expression may make both farmers’ and cows’ lives better. These days, compost bed manufacturers and free stalls are well-liked because of their unique benefits.

Greenhouse gas emissions, primarily from human activities like burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes, contribute to global warming and climate change. Carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O) are the primary greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere. These emissions trap heat, leading to a rise in global temperatures and adverse environmental impacts. Efforts to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions are crucial for addressing climate change and promoting environmental sustainability.

Methane has a warming potential twenty times larger than that of carbon dioxide. Methane emissions from cattle in India made for 15.1% of global methane emissions. 91.8 percent of India’s total greenhouse gas emissions in 2010 came from enteric methane, with methane (7.04%) and manure nitrous oxide (1.15%) trailing closely behind. With over half (49.1%) of all methane emissions in India coming from enteric fermentation, cattle dominated the market. Goats (5.38%), sheep (2.59%), buffalo (42.8%), and other animals (0.73%) .

 The dairy sector in India holds substantial significance both economically and culturally. Here are the key aspects highlighting its importance:

 Economic Contribution

1. Agricultural GDP: The dairy sector contributes approximately 4% to India’s GDP and around 27% to the agricultural GDP, showcasing its critical role in the agrarian economy.
2. Employment: It provides direct and indirect employment to millions of people, particularly in rural areas. Dairy farming is a primary source of livelihood for around 70 million rural households.
3. Income Source: For many small and marginal farmers, dairy farming acts as a reliable source of regular income, reducing their dependence on seasonal agriculture.

Social Impact

1. Women Empowerment: The dairy sector plays a crucial role in empowering women, as a significant number of dairy activities, such as milking and feeding cattle, are managed by women, leading to their economic independence and social upliftment.

2. Nutrition: Dairy products are an essential part of the Indian diet, providing vital nutrients like calcium, protein, and vitamins. Milk is a staple food item, contributing to the nutritional security of the population.

Production and Consumption

2. World Leader: India is the largest producer of milk globally, accounting for about 22% of the world’s milk production. This is attributed to the large cattle population and the traditional practice of dairy farming.
3. Domestic Consumption: The majority of milk produced is consumed domestically, with per capita consumption steadily increasing over the years. This high domestic consumption is driven by the growing population and rising incomes.

 Cooperative Model

1. Amul and White Revolution: The cooperative movement, exemplified by the success of Amul and the White Revolution (Operation Flood), transformed India from a milk-deficient nation to a self-sufficient one. This model has empowered farmers by providing them with a stable market and fair prices for their produce.
2. Sustainable Livelihoods: Cooperatives ensure that profits are equitably distributed among farmers, promoting sustainable livelihoods and community development.

 Technological Advancements

1. Improved Practices: Adoption of modern dairy farming techniques, better breeding practices, and veterinary care have led to increased milk yield and quality.
2. Value Addition: The sector has witnessed growth in the processing and value addition of milk products such as cheese, yogurt, and ghee, enhancing profitability and market reach.

 Export Potential

1. Global Market: While primarily focused on domestic needs, India has the potential to become a significant player in the global dairy market. Exporting value-added dairy products can open new revenue streams.

Challenges and Future Prospects

3. Infrastructure: Improving infrastructure for cold storage, transportation, and processing facilities is essential to reduce wastage and enhance efficiency.
4. Sustainability: Addressing issues like environmental sustainability, feed quality, and animal welfare are crucial for the long-term growth of the sector.
5. Policy Support: Continued support from government policies and initiatives can further boost the sector’s growth, ensuring it remains a vital part of the Indian economy.

In summary, the dairy sector in India is a cornerstone of rural economy and development, providing economic stability, nutritional security, and social empowerment, particularly in rural areas. Its sustained growth and modernization are pivotal for India’s overall economic progress.

Conclusion:

Addressing the low productivity of Indian dairy animals requires a multifaceted approach that tackles genetic, nutritional, health, and management-related challenges. By implementing targeted mitigation strategies focused on selective breeding, improved nutrition management, enhanced veterinary services, reproductive health interventions, and technology transfer, India can unlock the full potential of its dairy sector, ensuring sustainable growth, increased profitability for farmers, and a steady supply of high-quality milk for domestic consumption and export.

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