India recently had the honor of hosting the International Dairy Federation World Dairy Summit (IDF WDS) 2022, inaugurated by the Prime Minister at India Expo Centre & Mart, Greater Noida. The IDF, established in 1903, has been a significant source of scientific and technical expertise for stakeholders involved in the dairy chain worldwide. Through this network, the global dairy community comes to a consensus on how best to provide safe and sustainable dairy products to feed the world.
Key Highlights from the IDF World Dairy Summit
The IDF World Dairy Summit is an annual global gathering of the dairy sector, boasting approximately 1500 participants from different parts of the world. This year’s theme is “Dairy for Nutrition and Livelihood.” This summit will serve as a platform for industry experts to share their knowledge and ideas on how the sector can contribute to nourishing the world with safe and sustainable dairy products. Participants will also get a chance to learn about the latest research findings and experiences relevant to the global dairy sector.
Status of Dairy Sector in India
Currently, India stands first in milk production, contributing 23% to the global milk production output. The top five milk-producing states are Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh. This sector is not just a boost to the rural economy but also provides employment to more than 8 crore families in the country. It is noteworthy that over a third of the members of dairy cooperatives in India are women.
Challenges Faced by the Dairy Sector
Despite being a significant contributor to the economy, the dairy sector grapples with several challenges, such as shortage of fodder due to reduced grazing areas, inadequate animal healthcare services, unfavorable hygiene conditions, and lack of remunerative pricing. The informal nature of the dairy sector also means cattle raisers cannot effectively advocate for their rights, unlike other farmers.
Government Initiatives for the Dairy Sector
Over the past eight years, the Indian government has implemented several initiatives for the betterment of the dairy sector, which have resulted in an over 44% increase in milk production. Some of these schemes include the Rashtriya Gokul Mission, Nationwide Artificial Insemination Programme, Goberdhan Yojna, and Animal Husbandry infrastructure development fund. A particular focus has also been placed on digitization and universal vaccination of cattle.
Upcoming Government Initiatives for the Dairy Sector
The government is planning to establish a blanched dairy ecosystem to address the challenges faced by the dairy sector along with increasing production. This ecosystem will focus on several aspects, including additional income for farmers, empowerment of the poor, cleanliness, chemical-free farming, clean energy, and cattle care. It also plans to immunize 100% of the animals against foot and mouth disease and brucellosis by 2025.
Under the Kisan Credit Card Scheme
The Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme was introduced in 1998 to provide farmers with adequate and timely credit support under a single window with a flexible and simplified procedure. The scheme’s objectives include covering short-term credit requirements for crop cultivation, post-harvest expenses, marketing loans, consumption requirements of farmer households, and working capital for maintaining farm assets. However, the scheme does not cater to the purchase of combine harvesters, tractors, mini trucks, and construction of family houses and village cold storage facilities.
