Home / Business and Economy / Empowering India's Dairy Farmers: Nutrition and Structured Procurement Drive Change
Empowering India's Dairy Farmers: Nutrition and Structured Procurement Drive Change
27 Jul
Summary
- India's dairy industry relies on smallholder farmers, accounting for 72% of milk production
- Balanced cattle feed boosts milk yield by 20-25%, improving productivity and animal health
- Structured procurement systems provide smallholders with stable incomes and market access
India's dairy industry is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the adoption of two proven tools: scientific cattle nutrition and structured dairy procurement. The industry is heavily reliant on smallholder farmers, who account for approximately 72% of the country's total milk production, each typically caring for just 2-3 cattle.
While India's annual milk output exceeds 211 million tonnes, surpassing all other nations, these small-scale livestock rearers have long grappled with unstable incomes, fragmented market connections, and low-yield breeds. However, the implementation of balanced feed interventions and structured procurement systems is now delivering measurable outcomes, uplifting farmer livelihoods, stabilizing supply chains, and promoting healthier livestock across rural areas.
Balanced cattle nutrition has been shown to boost milk yield by around 20-25%, enhancing both productivity and animal health. At the same time, when smallholder villages participate in structured procurement systems, such as cooperatives with standardized collection and pricing mechanisms, they consistently secure higher producer prices, see increased milk sales, and improve feeding and breeding practices.
Together, these interventions are transforming the dairy landscape, empowering smallholders to move from survival to growth and reshaping the future of India's rural economy one farmer and one cow at a time.
