As we celebrate the 102nd birth anniversary of a visionary leader - Dr. Verghese Kurien - it becomes imperative to respect our heritage, the tremendous achievements we have made in the Indian dairy sector. Dr.'s remarkable 'billion liter idea' Kurien laid the foundation for the world's most comprehensive agricultural dairy development program, forever changing the trajectory of India's dairy industry. Today, India ranks highly when it comes to milk production and ranks number 1 with a remarkable contribution of 23 percent to global milk production.
Dr. Kurien had aptly said, "India's place in the sun would come from the partnership between the wisdom of the rural people and the skills of the professionals." These words resonate as evidence of the transformation we have witnessed. The success of the White Revolution can be attributed to the tireless efforts of millions of peasants across the country. Their enthusiastic participation and commitment to embracing advances in animal husbandry, feed management and veterinary care have elevated the Indian dairy sector to global standards. The collective efforts of this country's milk producers and the dairy industry continue to live up to this legacy every day.
Follow India's growth every dayIndia's milk production is over 220 million tons, representing a six-fold growth since the 1960s. The tailwind of India's dairy industry attracted attention in the late 1990s when it surpassed developed economies in terms of milk production. Today, the Indian dairy and livestock sector contributes around 5 percent to the country's GDP and the dairy sector's contribution to the agriculture sector is 24 percent, which is estimated at around Rs 10 lakh crores, making it the highest in the world. world is.
Considered one of the largest rural development programs in the world, the new Operation Flood program was more than a dairy program. Dairy farming was seen as a development tool that generated employment and regular incomes for millions of rural residents. Today, more than 8 crore households are directly linked to the dairy sector. It is striking that women represent 70 percent of the workforce in the Indian dairy sector. This proves that this sector is a formidable force, which no other sector can represent. The Indian dairy sector has played an important role in providing the desired economic independence to the farmers of this country, where they can access better social amenities and introduce more dairy animals.
India is not only the largest producer of milk, but also the largest consumer of milk and milk products. Since milk is inextricably linked to our culture, this has also stimulated its consumption. Considered one of the fastest growing markets in the world, growing at around 15 percent annually over the past 15 years, India's dairy industry has grown to an impressive Rs 13 trillion. Moreover, the Indian dairy market is expected to reach Rs 30 trillion by 2027. Rising incomes and growing preference for products such as cheese, yoghurt, cottage cheese, ice cream, etc., coupled with the shift towards products with an emphasis on convenience, hygiene and health. and well-being will give the sector the necessary boost.
In addition to its significant economic contributions, the dairy sector is emerging as a crucial player in addressing nutritional challenges. Although milk is considered a healthy food, dairy stands out as the most affordable source of protein, offering a holistic and accessible solution to address widespread nutritional problems. In addition, the dairy industry is actively involved in fortification efforts, especially in improving the nutritional value of commonly consumed products such as milk and cottage cheese. Further inclusion of probiotics also offers an additional opportunity to offer consumers a simple alternative to dietary supplements. Over the years, the sector has seen several initiatives aimed at improving nutrition within the dairy sector.
Efforts have also been made to spearhead programs that help the sector reach out to the masses. A notable example is the Gift Milk initiative of the NDDB Foundation for Nutrition (NFN), which works to eradicate malnutrition among school children by providing them with safe milk and milk products.
Moreover, the sector is leading the way in inculcating eco-friendly initiatives across the value chain. Right from embracing renewable energy at village level collection centers to incorporating rainwater harvesting wells and water recycling plants at production level, the sector is moderating the judicious use of available resources. The Indian dairy sector continues to explore various options at all levels, including logistics and supply, that help contribute to the journey towards sustainability. The need of the hour is to connect consumers to the sustainability mission, and this can be achieved by raising awareness and emphasizing the importance of sustainable consumption and practices. Visible results can be achieved by promoting responsible choices such as symbolic milk, safe waste disposal, recycling, minimizing food waste and supporting sustainability initiatives. As evidenced by other industry segments, dairy organizations must also strive to become plastic waste neutral.
Opportunities and potential to move forwardThe Indian dairy sector is poised for continued growth and opportunities to expand its potential by addressing certain key aspects. The buzzword of the current generation - entrepreneur - was brought to our country far in advance. The Operation Flood initiative put power in the hands of farmers, allowing them to set their own business policies, adopt modern production and marketing techniques, and receive services that they individually could not afford or manage.
Under the umbrella of the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), the past initiatives and visionary leadership of Dr. Kurien, along with crucial support from the Indian government through tax breaks, subsidies on inputs and infrastructure facilities such as cold chains and electrification, further promoted the development of the economy. transformative journey for the Indian dairy sector, promoting self-reliance and economic growth.
The consumption of milk and milk products is not just about urban consumers. Rural India is the largest consumer, but the majority is based on home consumption or neighborhood purchases. With the increasing demand for packaged and pasteurized milk, the rural sector can be transformed into a major market. Furthermore, the versatility of milk and its wide range of products, from traditional dairy products to innovative dairy-based food and beverage options, along with Indian consumers' growing openness to experiment and explore for more, reflects the untapped potential for the industry . . Additional investments in developing cold chain infrastructure in urban and suburban markets will also help expand coverage.
In remote areas, the growth potential lies in expanding veterinary treatment facilities, seamlessly connecting the livestock population to the availability of veterinary hospitals. This expansion would not only close the current gap, but also provide better animal health care and have a positive impact on milk production. To maximize the potential of the diverse offering, it is necessary to optimize supply chain operations. The perishable nature of the industry requires painstaking efforts to maintain freshness and safety. By streamlining these processes, we can ensure efficient and timely transportation of dairy products from the farm to the consumer.
Furthermore, investing in intensive education and training programs on good dairy practices becomes a gateway to success. Providing farmers with knowledge and skills is not only an opportunity, but also a catalyst for the production of safe and high-quality dairy products.
As we move forward, the journey we have made so far as an industry is truly remarkable, driven by a collective commitment to continuous improvement and innovation. In this journey, farmers are the backbone, and their crucial role in shaping the triumphs of India's dairy sector cannot be overstated. The future should also be looked to with optimism, where embracing modern technologies will pave the way for a White Revolution-2.0, promoting efficiency, productivity and sustainability to usher in a new era of progress and prosperity.
The Indian dairy sector has the potential to further consolidate its leading position, ensure long-term profitability and contribute to the country's economic development, while meeting the changing demands of the global market, or in other words , dairy for the world.
Like Dr. Kurien noted: "I am concerned with empowerment. Milk is just a tool for that." Let milk be the same instrument of change for generations to come. On this National Milk Day, let us come together as an industry, share best practices, knowledge and experiences and adopt innovative techniques and latest technologies. Let us initiate dialogues and discussions, drive sustainability, promote research and innovation and pledge to orchestrate a new chapter in the remarkable transformation of the Indian dairy industry.
(Manish Bandlish is the Managing Director of Mother Dairy.) (Disclaimer: Opinions expressed are personal and do not reflect the official position or policy of Financial Express Online. Reproduction of this content without permission is prohibited.)