Opportunities for the Development of Dairy Industry
The pre-independence era of India suffered a lot and India was also a milk deficit country with the population increasing day by day. Post independence with the introduction of Operation Flood, India not only became self-sufficient but now it’s one of the largest exporters of milk and contributes 4% of GDP of India.
Milk is considered to be one of the major sources of protein consumed by everyone regardless of vegetarian or non-vegetarian.
There are numerous milk based products like yogurt, butter, cottage cheese (paneer), clarified butter (ghee), etc. for which the demand has increased in the recent days. These dairy products have become a basic essential for people in India. India is the leading country in milk production. However, the challenge is not to meet the existing demand but continuing growth of the dairy sector in future and making the sector organized.
But there are many factors playing a vital role in reducing or disrupting the expected milk production which can hamper the growth of the sector. Some of the factors are:
- Poor nutrition management: Fodder given to farm animals is of low quality and lack proper nutrients that hamper their proper growth.
- Low genetic potential: Mix breeding with foreign breeds can have an adverse effect on indigenous cows.
- Lack of veterinary support: Veterinary support is essential for farm animals to cope up with diseases or any accident and the lack of experienced vet is another factor contributing towards lower milk production.
- Lack of supplementary foods to the cattle: From where will the livestock get nutrients if not their basic diet? The cattle does not get sufficient supplements that will support them and help them produce more.
- Lack of hygiene in the shed: Cleanliness is another factor that contributes to their agony. With the poor state of hygiene, the breed catches more germs and infections leading to untimely deaths, miscarriage or poor production of milk.
The Indian dairy industry is trying to match the pace with the progressing world. India is known as ‘The Oyster’ of the global dairy industry. The entrepreneurs nationwide have a great responsibility on their shoulders to increase the milk production without compromising the quality. However, with several challenges coming over, there is a huge downfall expected onset in the dairy production in the near future if the dairy sector is not organized.
Transformation of Dairy Sector in India
Indian Dairy Farming is now evolving from the agrarian way of life to the professionally managed industry. This transformation is induced by many positive factors such as-
New market opportunities: Commercialization of milk production by exporting milk has helped the milk producers to earn more than before and hence give proper feed to the livestock.
Easy credit facilities to the farmers/milk producers: Introduction of government schemes for milk producers has helped them to purchase more cattle and start their dairy farms rather than working for someone or simply selling milk. Now they can derive various products from milk and sell in the market earning more revenue.
Organized sectors to manage milk production: Organization of the dairy sector by creating private societies in villages has helped the producers to get a fair value of their produce. Many of the unfair trade practices have decreased, and small-scale milk producers whose production went unnoticed earlier are now in records.
Commendable interest was shown by the government and stakeholders to grow the dairy sector.
Technological advancements, use of modern machinery, etc.
Ministry of Agriculture and Dairy Sector
In order to provide a prompt solution to the dairy production, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers along with the Ministry of Food Processing Industries have initiated a few programs to encourage an organized growth of the dairy production. It is an attempt to develop solutions for several challenges persisting in the dairy production.
Prompt Solutions for Dairy Industry
The need of the hour is not just the maintenance of milk production but to help the small-scale milk producers and societies. From 17 million tons to 122.3 million tons of milk production in 2012 has given a significant boost to the milk producers. Now with the advent of modern technology, the production can be increased to manifolds and stakeholders should get the fair share of their produce. Solutions by Prompt Group for milk producers:
Automated Milk Collection System: It is one such solution that will prove to be a boon for every milk producer. The system incorporates complete solution right from capturing weight, measuring Fat & SNF level, and can automatically check the milk type (Cow milk or Buffalo milk). Based on the parameters collected, it calculates rates, saves transaction record, and prints the detail of the transaction
Milk Testing Equipment: the machine is basically developed and used to know the milk quality. The cooperative societies in the village can find out whether the milk is pure or adulterated and accordingly buy the produce. It will help to keep up with the international quality standards and suspend the malpractices done by producers that hinder the interest of innocent ones.
Conclusion:
The commercialization of milk production and the introduction of cooperative societies or private societies has helped to reach the production of milk by 140 million tons. The contribution of private cooperative societies is up to 28 million tons, which serves 20% of the total Indian population. With an attempt to induce a prompt solution to increase in dairy production using above mentioned commercialization measures, the milk production is expected to increase by 180 million tons by 2022. On an average, this rate hikes by 6 million tons per year, which was 3 million tons earlier.
Source: DAIRY NEWS OF INDIA