Milk is an essential part of our daily diet. There are studies that explain well the usefulness of milk and dairy products in our daily life. It is claimed that the absence of milk or products in our diet can make it challenging to control chronic ailments like blood pressure, diabetes, and osteoporosis. Therefore, this makes dairy farming to be one of the most crucial practices in any economy. But is it following sustainable practices? This article will clarify the aspects of sustainability in Indian Dairy Farming comprehensively!
When talking about Indian Dairy Farming, comprises chunks of organized and unorganized sections of milk production and processing units. Undoubtedly, India is the largest milk-producing and consuming nation in the world, but, still rigorous efforts are being implemented to streamline the industry practices.
In India, dairy farming is an all-year-round industry. Even with effective management, sustainable dairy farming is now the most prioritized parameter that is being worked upon. The dairy business in India is based mostly on the rearing of cows and buffalo and this practice has been passed down from generation to generation for centuries. This custom started to fade in the latter part of the 20th century. However, significant progress has been made as a result of scientific and technological advancements. The contribution Amul made in the shape of the “White Revolution” was crucial in elevating India’s dairy sector from a backwater to a global leader.
- Sustainability in Dairy Farming in India
- Economic Sustainability in Dairy Farming in India
- Social Sustainability in Dairy Farming in India
- Environmental Sustainability in Dairy Farming in India
- Conclusion
Sustainability in Dairy Farming in India
The idea of sustainable dairy farming in India envisions the wise and effective use of resources without over-exploitation. Understanding that effective management of a farming system forms the cornerstone of the agricultural system’s economic, environmental, and social sustainability is crucial.
In the process of improvising sustainable dairy farming in India, there are various initiatives and schemes, backed up by the government of India, that are implemented on a regular basis. These initiatives focus on cattle health, hygiene of dairy farms, proper management of cattle food and fodder, and best practices in farm waste management.
As far as environmental sustainability is concerned, the best practices circumvent the following pivot points:
- Consider the farm’s structure & local situation before choosing bovine breeds
- Keep the farm free from disease by having an effective herd disease health management practice in place.
- Use certified and prescribed chemicals and veterinary medicines to prevent the occurrence of chemical residues in milk.
- Carry out milking activities under hygienic conditions to ensure that milking routines do not injure cows or contaminate milk.
- Feed and water all animals in sufficient quantity, and with products of suitable quality and safety.
- Control feed storage conditions
- Ensure traceability of feedstuffs bought off the farm.
- Keep all animals free from hunger, thirst, malnutrition, discomfort, pain, injury, disease, fear, and distress.
- Ensure that all animals are free to engage in normal patterns of animal behavior.
Economic Sustainability in Dairy Farming
If sustainability does not lead to economic stability, then that will lead to a breakdown in the trade mechanism. This will certainly result in an economic imbalance in the industry generating uneven trends of inflation and shortages.
Therefore, the following practices are ongoing in the Indian Dairy Farming process to maintain economic sustainability:
- It is ensured that throughout the processes of production and the storage facilities safety, quality, and transparency of the dairy products are properly maintained.
- Strive for long-term farm income stability enabling smart investments and punctual payment to employees.
- Dairy farm owners are focusing on their involvement in the organized dairy sector to maximize benefits through proper trade channels.
- In order to boost farm income and lower risk associated with changes in market price, there is diversification of the farm into additional farming operations or/and alternative non-farming enterprises, as suitable.
Social Sustainability in Dairy Farming
For maintaining social sustainability, the following practices are inherent in Indian Dairy farming processes:
- Create a friendly, enjoyable working environment that is devoid of all forms of discrimination and disciplinary measures.
- Farm employees have access to adequate sanitary, housing, and transportation infrastructures and services, as well as their families (if applicable).
- Verify that local and national laws are followed in relation to the working hours of employees. While acceptable, overtime worked during the busiest season must be fairly compensated.
- Make sure that the minimal requirements of local and federal law are met for the salaries and benefits that employees receive.
- Verify that working conditions adhere to guidelines for occupational health and safety.
Environmental Sustainability in Dairy Farming
As long as the environment is not protected, the dairy farming process can never continue. It is because, without the involvement of nature, the basic raw material for the industry, milk, can never be obtained for the best quality.
Therefore, initiatives are necessary for environmental sustainability in the dairy farming process. Following are some into practice:
- Maintain good soil fertility and prevent damage to the environment, soil erosion, and pollution.
- Properly manage and optimize water use
- Maintain or enhance biological diversity on the farm.
- Preserve or improve the air quality
- Minimize adverse impacts on the global environment and climate change
- Properly chose and use energy resources.
- Use crop by-products as much as possible on the farm.
- Recycle the waste generated by the farm
The Bottomline
Of all the animal products, milk is the healthiest to consume. The world’s greatest population of livestock is found in India. In India, dairy farming has changed from being merely an agrarian way of life to becoming a professionally run sector. Dairy farming is a significant supplementary source of income for many rural Indian families, who are involved in it. Due to varying agro-climatic conditions, people’s socioeconomic levels, the types/breeds of dairy cattle raised, etc., dairy farming has sustainability issues.
The most frequent obstacles to sustainable dairy farming include a lack of fodder and/or land for its cultivation, excessive chemical use in agricultural and animal husbandry practices, a lack of knowledge about animal diseases and methods for preventing and controlling them, unhygienic milk production methods, GHG emissions, marketing issues, etc.
The best practices for sustainable dairy farming include good animal husbandry procedures like deworming, vaccination, and prevention as well as feeding practices like making efficient use of the feed resources by reducing feed losses, expanding the feed resource base, improving fodder availability, increasing nutrient availability from intestinal tracts, and placing more emphasis on ruminant production.
