Unleashing the Potential: Overcoming Challenges in Indian Dairy Productivity

June 8, 2024

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Unleashing the Potential: Overcoming Challenges in Indian Dairy Productivity

¹Rahul Nisanka* and ²Sudhanya Nath

¹B.V.Sc. & A.H., Madras Veterinary College, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Science University (TANUVAS), Chennai – 600007, Tamil Nadu

³Additional Veterinary Assistant Surgeon, Fisheries & Animal Resources Development (F&ARD) Department, Hemgir, Sundargarh – 770013, Odisha

*Corresponding author – rahulnisanka@gmail.com

Abstract:

India’s dairy sector: the world’s largest milk producer by volume yet facing challenges in average milk yield per animal. It dissects the key hurdles – breed composition, feed scarcity, animal health, and socio-economic constraints – and delves into promising, less-discussed solutions like optimizing indigenous breeds and leveraging Precision Livestock Farming technologies. Finally, a roadmap for success is presented, outlining strategies to enhance breed improvement, ensure fodder security, strengthen veterinary infrastructure, and empower farmers through financial inclusion and cooperatives. By overcoming these challenges and embracing innovation, India can unlock its full dairy potential.

Keywords : Low dairy productivity, Indigenous breeds, Feed and fodder scarcity, Precision Livestock Farming, Dairy cooperatives

Introduction:

India, the land of diverse breeds and a prominent name in global milk production, faces a paradox. While boasting the highest livestock population (estimated at over 300 million cows and buffaloes), the average milk yield per animal remains stubbornly low compared to the international average. India is the world’s largest milk producer, contributing over 22% of global milk production. However, the average milk yield per animal in India is merely 1,777 kg per year, significantly lower than the world average of 2,699 kg per year. This significant gap between potential and reality calls for a deeper understanding of the challenges plaguing Indian dairy productivity and the exploration of innovative mitigation strategies.

Challenges: A Multifaceted Web

The low productivity of Indian dairy animals stems from a complex interplay of factors. Here’s a closer look at some of the key hurdles:

Breed Composition:Despite their hardiness, the dominance of low-yielding indigenous breeds like Tharparkar (average milk yield: 3.0 kg/day) brings down the national average. Crossbreeding with exotic breeds like Holstein Friesian (average milk yield: 25-30 kg/day) has shown promise, increasing milk yield, but requires significant investment and comes with challenges like heat stress and disease susceptibility. Indiscriminate breeding practices and a lack of focus on high-yielding indigenous breeds like Gir (average milk yield: 8 kg/day) and Sahiwal (average milk yield: 6 kg/day) further complicate matters.
Feed and Fodder Scarcity:The ever-shrinking grazing lands due to urbanization and imbalanced focus on cereal production create a deficit in nutritious feed and fodder. The availability of good quality fodder is just around 30-40% of the actual requirement. This scarcity forces farmers to rely on expensive concentrates, impacting profitability and often leading to imbalanced rations that can negatively affect milk yield and quality.
Animal Health Concerns:The prevalence of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), Theileriosis, and other illnesses significantly reduces milk yield and disrupts lactation cycles. Studies suggest that diseases like FMD can cause a drop in milk production by up to 50%. Inadequate veterinary infrastructure, particularly in rural areas, and a lack of awareness about preventive measures further exacerbate the problem.
Socio-Economic Constraints:Small-scale, fragmented landholdings (average landholding size for dairy farmers in India is just 2.1 hectares) and limited access to credit restrict investment in improved housing, hygiene practices, and advanced milking techniques. Additionally, the cultural preference for retaining unproductive animals due to religious beliefs puts a strain on resources and reduces overall herd productivity.

Unique Angles: Unveiling the Hidden Gems

Beyond the well-known challenges, let’s explore some lesser-discussed aspects:

The Potential of Indigenous Breeds:Research suggests that indigenous breeds like Red Sindhi and Rathi, with proper care, selective breeding, and improved nutrition, can be just as productive as their exotic counterparts. These breeds offer better heat tolerance and disease resistance, making them well-suited to India’s climatic conditions. A study by the National Bureau of Animal Genetics found that Red Sindhi cows, under proper management, can produce up to 5,000 kg of milk per lactation cycle. This presents an opportunity to develop location-specific, high-yielding indigenous strains that are more cost-effective and sustainable for smallholder farmers.
Precision Livestock Farming (PLF):Emerging technologies like wearable sensors and data analytics hold immense promise. PLF can monitor individual animal health, predict estrus cycles for optimal breeding times, and even identify cows experiencing stress, leading to targeted interventions and improved milk quality. A pilot project by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) using PLF technology on dairy farms in Haryana showed a 10-15% increase in milk yield.

The Power of Farmer Cooperatives:Empowering smallholder farmers through cooperatives can provide them with access to better quality feed, veterinary services, and collective bargaining power. Cooperatives can also promote knowledge sharing and adoption of best practices among farmers. Studies have shown that farmer cooperatives in India can lead to a 15-20% increase in milk production for member farmers.

Mitigation Strategies: A Roadmap to Success

By addressing the challenges and implementing innovative solutions, India can bridge the gap in dairy productivity. Here’s a roadmap to success:

Promoting Breed Improvement Programs:A focus on selective breeding of high-yielding indigenous breeds alongside controlled crossbreeding with exotics using advanced techniques like artificial insemination can create a robust genetic pool.
Fodder Security and Innovation:Encouraging the cultivation of high-protein fodder crops like napier grass and Lucerne, exploring options like hydroponics and vertical farming for growing fodder in urban areas, and promoting the use of crop residues like maize stover as roughage can bridge the feed-fodder gap. Additionally, government initiatives like the National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) which promotes the use of bio-fortified fodder varieties can significantly improve the nutritional value of animal feed.
Strengthening Veterinary Infrastructure:Investing in mobile veterinary clinics, particularly in rural areas, to provide easy access to veterinary care for animals is crucial. Creating awareness about preventive vaccination programs like FMD and Brucellosis control, and promoting best practices in animal husbandry, including biosecurity measures, can significantly reduce disease burden and improve animal health.
Financial Inclusion and Microloans:Providing easy access to credit for smallholder farmers through microloans and government schemes can allow them to invest in better infrastructure like proper housing and milking parlors, leading to improved animal welfare and productivity.
Embracing Technology:Encouraging the use of PLF technologies like wearable sensors and smart collars can revolutionize animal health management and milk production efficiency. Additionally, promoting cloud-based platforms for knowledge sharing and access to market information can empower farmers to make informed decisions.

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Conclusion: A Brighter Moo-ving Forward

By addressing the challenges and implementing innovative solutions outlined above, India can bridge the gap in dairy productivity. This not only enhances farmer income and national milk production but also ensures better quality dairy products for consumers. By recognizing the potential of indigenous breeds, embracing new technologies, empowering farmers through cooperatives and financial inclusion, and fostering a culture of innovation, India can usher in a new era of sustainable and high-yielding dairy production that benefits all stakeholders in the industry.

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