New initiatives in Gobar-Based CNG and Organic fertilizer production, major reforms in the Dairy sector

On December 18, 2024, a review meeting chaired by Mrs. Alka Upadhyay, Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), was held in New Delhi to assess the state of milk production in the country. The meeting witnessed participation from the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), the National Cooperative Dairy Federation, and representatives of state cooperative dairy federations. Detailed discussions were held on milk production, procurement, and progress in the dairy sector.

Milk Production and Market Status:

The DAHD Secretary highlighted that India maintained its global leadership in milk production with approximately 239.3 million metric tons produced in 2023-24. She urged dairy federations to enhance the procurement price paid to farmers while ensuring consumer interests are protected.

The Secretary further emphasized the stability of the milk market in the country. As of November 2024, the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) for milk stood at 2.09%, and the Consumer Price Index (CPI) was 2.85%. Additionally, adequate stocks of milk powder, white butter, and ghee are available to meet demand.

Progress in Gobar-Based CNG and Organic Fertilizer Production:

As part of various government schemes, CSR initiatives, and in collaboration with NDDB, over 27,000 household biogas plants have been established across 19 states. Additionally, two large-scale gobar-based CNG plants with a combined capacity of 140 tons/day are operational, while 11 others with a capacity of 675 tons/day are under construction. The domestic biogas initiative has enabled 1,040 farmers to earn 11,000 carbon credits. NDDB has also partnered with Suzuki Motor Corporation to utilize gobar for producing transportation fuel and organic fertilizers.

Directives for Improving the Dairy Sector:

The DAHD Secretary instructed dairy federations to adopt a circular economy approach and commence work on biogas projects. She emphasized that each state should present at least one biogas project during the upcoming conference to reduce the dairy sector’s carbon footprint and enhance farmers' incomes.

She also called for a 20% increase in the consumption of processed dairy products and stressed the development of value-added products. Discussions included adopting automation in dairy value chains to improve water use efficiency under the National Water Mission and support the National Action Plan on Climate Change.

Additionally, the Secretary directed the acceleration of cooperative formation to boost milk procurement and integrate it into the organized sector, aiming to improve the social and economic well-being of the nation’s milk producers.