White Revolution 2.0

White Revolution 2.0

News: According to the government’s latest Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) for 2022-23 it shows that milk emerged as India’s top food spend item.

Key Findings
• The monthly value of milk and dairy products consumed by an average person in rural India, at Rs 314, was ahead of vegetables, cereals, egg, fish & meat, fruits, edible oil, spices and pulses.
• For urban India also Milk (Rs 466) emerged as top item followed by fruits, vegetables, cereals, egg, fish &
meat, edible oil, spices and pulses.

Milk production in India
• India is the largest producer of milk in the world, contributing 24% of global milk production in 2021-22.
• According to a November 2023 press release, the top five milk-producing states in India in 2022-2023 were: 1. Uttar Pradesh 2. Rajasthan 3. Madhya Pradesh 4. Gujarat 5. Andhra Pradesh

What are the challenges associated with increased demand of milk?
• Infrastructure and Production: Improving infrastructure and increasing production to meet rising demand are key demands facing the dairy industry.
• Quality and Storage: There is a lack of cold-storage facilities, leading to poor quality milk and wastage. Nearly 60% of the milk produced in India is wasted due to lack of proper storage and refrigeration facilities.
• Inflation: The price of milk has gone up from Rs 42 to Rs 60 per litre in the last five years, according to the department of consumer affairs.
• Rising Input Cost: The cost of fodder, feed and raw materials/ingredients have increased significantly. Dairies have had to hike procurement prices paid to farmers and, in turn, pass-through the same to consumers.
• Genetic Potential and Services: The genetic potential of local cows for milk production is poor, and there are inadequate artificial insemination services.

How can the cost of milk production be reduced?
• Efficient Feed Management: Optimizing the use of pasture, silage, and concentrates can help reduce costs and improve profitability.
• Grazing: Turning cows out to graze can reduce the cost of production.
• Improved Breeding and Genetics: Investing in high-yield dairy cattle breeds can increase milk production efficiency.
• Cooperative Farming: Encouraging small-scale dairy farmers to form cooperatives can help them access resources, infrastructure, and markets more effectively.

Government of India’s initiatives to promote Dairy sector
• Rashtriya Gokul Mission: To enhance the productivity and genetic improvement of indigenous cattle.
• National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP): It is a flagship scheme launched in 2019 for control of Foot & Mouth Disease and Brucellosis by vaccinating 100% cattle, buffalo, sheep, goat and pig population.
• National Livestock Mission (NLM): It aims to ensure sustainable development of the livestock sector, including dairy farming.
• Dairy Entrepreneurship Development Scheme(DEDS): It looks to create self-employment opportunities in the dairy industry.