India’s Dairy Sector Embraces Sustainability
The Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying (DAHD) held a pivotal workshop on sustainability and circularity in the dairy sector on March 3, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. Inaugurated by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the event brought together key stakeholders, including Union Ministers and representatives from various ministries and dairy cooperatives. The workshop aimed to foster discussions on sustainable practices and the future of dairy farming in India.
Milestones in Sustainability Initiatives
The workshop marked a significant step forward in promoting sustainability within the dairy sector, highlighted by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) and NABARD. This agreement aims to facilitate sustainable growth in the dairy industry through technical and financial support. Additionally, NDDB has partnered with 26 Milk Unions across 15 states to establish biogas plants, enhancing energy generation and manure management practices.
During the event, comprehensive guidelines aimed at fostering sustainability in the dairy sector were released. The NDDB also launched financing initiatives for small-scale and large-scale biogas projects, as well as the NDDB Sustain Plus Project, which focuses on financing sustainable dairy interventions. These initiatives are expected to encourage the adoption of circular practices, ultimately reducing the environmental impact of dairy farming while promoting efficient resource management.
Government Commitment to Dairy Prosperity
In his address, Union Minister Amit Shah emphasized the importance of sustainability and circularity as India moves towards a new phase of the White Revolution. He noted that while significant progress has been made, there is still much work to be done to fully realize these goals. Shah highlighted the critical role of dairy farming in enhancing the livelihoods of small farmers, stating that it can help mitigate rural migration and foster prosperity.
Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh echoed these sentiments, discussing the potential of utilizing cow dung for fuel production. He pointed out that India has a vast livestock population, with approximately 30 crore cows and buffaloes, which can provide substantial resources for organic fertilizers and biofuels. Singh underscored the government’s efforts to transition the dairy sector from an unorganized to an organized framework, emphasizing the need for public-private partnerships to drive green growth and farmer welfare.
Innovative Financing and Policy Frameworks
Smt. Alka Upadhyaya, Secretary of the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, stressed the necessity of sustainable practices in the dairy sector. She highlighted the government’s vision of integrating circular economy principles, noting that the dairy sector contributes significantly to India’s agricultural economy. To support these initiatives, the NDDB has introduced a new financing scheme with an allocation of Rs 1,000 crores, aimed at assisting small biogas and large-scale biogas projects over the next decade.
Key discussions during the workshop focused on the policy frameworks and financial mechanisms needed to enhance circularity in dairy farming. Senior officials from various ministries and organizations shared insights on successful circular economy models and carbon credit opportunities for small dairy farmers. The session concluded with a call for a structured roadmap to ensure a financially viable and environmentally responsible dairy sector, showcasing models like the Zakariyapura, Banas, and Varanasi initiatives that highlight the potential of dung as a valuable resource.
The workshop served as a crucial platform for stakeholders to collaborate on strategies that promote sustainability and enhance the overall viability of the dairy sector in India.
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