Milk production in India has grown considerably at 4.7% CAGR since the white revolution of the 1970s, making India the world’s largest producer of milk with annual production of 198.4 million MT (2019-20) and contributing to 21% share in global milk production. The Indian dairy sector is characterized by presence of cooperatives, private dairies and milk producer companies. It is undergoing tremendous changes in processing technology, drive for cashless economy, consumer demand for health promoting and nutritional dairy products and more ICT based applications. In the present scenario, there is a need to deliberate on the effects of these numerous changes happening in the business environment around the Indian Dairy Sector, and to find out suitable strategies and policies which can ensure the sustainability and growth of dairy sector and the milk producers.
In this context, Dairy Business Management Department of SMC College of Dairy Science, Kamdhenu University, Anand, organized one Day National Seminar “Indian Dairy Sector @75: From Self-reliance to the verge of becoming World Leader” sponsored by Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), New Delhi under the theme “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav” on 5th March, 2022.
The seminar was attended by more than 200 delegates including industry personnel, academicians and students related to dairy, veterinary, management, and agriculture from different parts of the country. The souvenir on “Indian Dairy Sector @75: From Self-reliance to the verge of becoming World Leader” was released on this occasion.
Dr. J. B. Upadhyay, Principal, SMC College of Dairy Science, Anand in his welcome address highlighted the importance of this seminar for sustainable growth of dairy sector to achieve self-reliance. He also added that dairying in India is one of the best models for socio-economic development.
Dr. N. H. Kelawala, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, Kamdhenu University, Gandhinagar, the President of the function, spoke on the contribution made by co-operative movements and operation flood programme to the growth of dairy sector. He also stressed on the importance of scientific animal management including sex semen technology for production of elite females. He also referred to adulteration issues concerning the safety of milk and need for suitable platform tests to check adulteration of milk. He also talked on the need of ICT application
in dairy sector and extensive training to dairy farmers.
The Guest of Honour of the function, Dr. D. B. Patil, Director of Research and Dean PG Studies, Kamdhenu University, Gandhinagar spoke on success stories of dairy co-operatives and the need to strengthen linkages in dairy chain. He stressed on the need of having more export market for milk and milk products.
Dr. Umakant Dash, Director, IRMA, Anand and Guest of Honour of the function talked on the progressive journey of Indian dairy sector and stated that dairying has emerged as lifeline of rural economy. He pointed out various challenges faced by dairy industry from supply side as well as from demand side. He emphasized on the need for product differentiation to cater to the diverse needs of consumers. He also highlighted the importance of understanding the market segment for ensuring a consistent value chain to dairy farmers. Shri Meenesh C. Shah, Chairman, National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), Anand, the Chief Guest of the function gave an overview of present scenario of dairy sector and conveyed that self-reliance is essential for dairy sector. He added that milk is contributing more to GDP than that by combined output of paddy, wheat, and pulses. He also addressed on various challenges faced by dairy industry including productivity of milch animals, mechanization, maintaining cold chain, climate changes, disease management, qualified professional, etc. He briefed on different initiatives taken by NDDB through various programmes to address these issues. He said that to achieve self-reliance farmers, co-operatives, academicians and policy makers need to work together and complement each other. The seminar Director Dr. A. K. Makwana, Professor & Head, Dairy Business Management, also emphasized on the importance of this seminar in the present scenario.
Shri Gokul Krishnan (Senior Manager, Quality Assurance and R&D, AMUL Dairy, Anand), Dr. R. S. Pundir (Principal & Dean, IABMI & PI, NAHEP–CAAST, Anand Agricultural University, Anand), Dr. G.C. Mandli (Professor, Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry, Kamdhenu University, Anand) were the invited speakers for the first technical session.
Post lunch four parallel technical sessions were held at Suvidya complex wherein academicians, industry professional and young researchers presented their research findings. Dr. P. N. Thakar, Dr. P.S. Prajapati, Dr. J. P. Prajapati and Dr. K. D. Aparnathi acted as chairman of various technical sessions.
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