The 51st Dairy Industry Conference, organized by the Indian Dairy Association (IDA), commenced on a high note, bringing together key leaders, policymakers, and industry experts to shape the future of India’s dairy sector.
Theme : Indian Dairying: Global Growth, Local Strength
India’s dairy sector exemplifies global growth powered by local strength, emerging as the world’s largest milk producer while staying deeply rooted in its farmer-driven ecosystem. With a vast network of cooperatives and smallholder farmers, India ensures self-sufficiency in dairy while expanding exports of ghee, milk powder, and value-added products. Advances in breeding, sustainability, and digital supply chains are enhancing productivity and global competitiveness. Yet, the industry’s resilience lies in its indigenous breeds, traditional dairy practices, and community-led networks, making it a model where local empowerment fuels global aspirations. By embracing innovation, sustainability, and policy reforms, India’s dairy industry is poised to strengthen its global footprint while securing prosperity for millions of farmers.
The inaugural session was graced by Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh, Hon. Minister of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Govt. of India, and Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel, Hon’ble Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying. They were joined by a distinguished panel of dignitaries, including:
- Dr. R.S. Sodhi, President, IDA
- Ms. Alka Upadhyay, Secretary, DAHD, GOI
- Ms. Varsha Joshi, Additional Secretary (CDD/IT), DAHD, GOI
- Dr. N. Vijaya Lakshmi, Additional Chief Secretary, Govt. of Bihar
- Dr. Meenesh Shah, Chairman, NDDB
- Dr. Dheer Singh, Director, NDRI
Key Leaders Outline Vision for India’s Dairy Future at the 51st Dairy Industry Conference
The 51st Dairy Industry Conference saw prominent leaders and policymakers sharing critical insights and strategic priorities to drive India’s dairy sector forward.
Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Hon. Minister of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Govt. of India, underscored the urgent need to eradicate Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) to enhance India’s dairy exports. He emphasized that eliminating FMD would not only improve the global competitiveness of Indian dairy but also boost milk collection in the organized sector, ensuring better returns for farmers and a more resilient supply chain.
In his keynote address, Dr. Meenesh Shah emphasized the pivotal role of NDDB in strengthening India’s cooperative dairy structure at the grassroots level. He outlined NDDB’s commitment to empowering farmers and ensuring sustainable sectoral growth through cooperative-driven initiatives.
Dr. R.S. Sodhi reflected on India’s remarkable dairy journey, acknowledging its unparalleled growth over the decades. However, he cautioned that sustaining this momentum would require continued government support, particularly in areas of infrastructure development, policy reforms, and market expansion.
Ms. Alka Upadhyay recognized IDA’s critical role in uniting and engaging India’s dairy community. She stressed the need to enhance productivity and focus on genetic improvement of indigenous cattle breeds, reinforcing long-term sectoral strength.
Dr. N. Vijayalaxmi, Additional Chief Secretary, Govt. of Bihar, showcased COMFED’s impressive achievements in the dairy sector, highlighting its contribution to rural livelihoods and its role in strengthening Bihar’s dairy ecosystem.
With two more days of deliberations ahead, the conference continues to serve as a crucial platform for shaping policies, fostering innovation, and driving sustainable growth in the Indian dairy industry.
The award ceremony at the 51st Dairy Industry Conference recognized outstanding contributions to India’s dairy sector. Dr. R. P. Aneja was honored with the prestigious Dr. V. Kurien Award, while Dr. Punjarath received the Lifetime Achievement Award for his remarkable contributions to the industry.
On this occasion, Dr. Aneja also delivered the Dr. Kurien Memorial Lecture, where he provided a thought-provoking comparison between India’s Green, White, and Rainbow Revolutions, highlighting their impact on national food security and economic growth.
Adding to the knowledge-sharing sessions, Dr. B. N. Mathur delivered the Dr. M. R. Srinivasan Memorial Lecture, where he shared insights into the quality requirements of ghee for institutional and B2B segments, emphasizing the need for stringent standards and quality assurance.
Empowering Farmers: A Dedicated Session
Later in the day, a special farmer’s session was organized, with Ms. Renu Devi, Minister of Animal Husbandry & Resources, Bihar, as the chief guest. The session provided a platform for dairy farmers to voice their concerns and discuss key challenges affecting their livelihoods.
Ms. Varsha Joshi, Additional Secretary, DAHD, Government of India, actively engaged with the farmers, attentively listening to their issues. She reassured them that the government’s vision for the dairy sector is well aligned with farmers’ needs, and all challenges are being addressed with urgency to ensure timely solutions and sectoral growth.
With two more days of the conference ahead, the event continues to be a significant platform for policy discussions, technological advancements, and industry collaborations, shaping the future of Indian dairy.
Mr Sudhir Kumar Singh, Chairman, IDA (EZ) chaired the session with the following panelists.
1. Dr RS Sodhi, President, IDA
2. Shri Ram Chandra Chaudhary, Chairman, Ajmer Union
3. Shri Shamalbhai Patel, Chairman, Amul 4. Shri Sanjay Kumar, Chairman, VPMU, Patna
5. Shri Rupesh Raj, MD, PDP, Patna
6. Shri K.S. Mani, Chairman, MILMA
7. Smt Vidhu Rajiv, Best Women Farmer Awardee, South Zone
Lastly Ms Renu Devi talked about dairy development in Bihar and growth story of Comfed the state dairy federation and how the government is working in the direction of farmers and dairy development in the state.
At the conclusion of the conference, a high-profile CEO session was organized, bringing together stalwarts of the Indian dairy industry to share their vision for the future. The discussion focused on how the sector is gearing up to meet the evolving demands of sustainability, traceability, and global market expansion.
The session was moderated by Kuldeep Sharma, who set the stage by outlining the key priorities of global dairy leaders—Growth, Resilience, and Sustainability. He was joined by an esteemed panel of industry leaders who provided valuable insights into the strategies shaping the next phase of India’s dairy evolution.
- Mr. Rupesh Raj Kumar, IAS, MD, COMFED (Sudha)
- Dr. Amit Vyas, MD Amul, Anand
- Mr. Rahul Kumar Srivastava, COO, Parag Milk Foods, Mumbai
- Mr. Jaidev Biswas, MD, JMF (Medha)
- Mr. R. K. Malik, ED IDMC.
Mr. Kuldeep Sharma concluded the session with a compelling appeal to the dairy industry, urging stakeholders to recognize livestock as a central pillar of the sector. He emphasized the need to view all dairy development programs from the perspective of the cow, ensuring a more inclusive and sustainable approach to growth.
The day ended on a vibrant note with a cultural program showcasing the rich diversity of India’s folk traditions. The performances featured popular folk dances from various states, creating a mesmerizing spectacle for the audience. The evening commenced with a soulful Ganesh Vandana, performed by none other than Dr. N. Vijayalaxmi, Additional Chief Secretary, Government of Bihar, setting the tone for the celebrations.
With two more days of insightful discussions and networking opportunities ahead, the biggest event in the Indian dairy sector continues to draw industry leaders, innovators, and policymakers. A grand exhibition featuring the latest dairy technologies and advancements remains a major highlight, offering a glimpse into the future of the industry.
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