Why In news?
India's milk consumption varies greatly by income and region, impacting nutrition security and affordability.
What are Key highlights of the article?
- Milk Consumption Disparities - Household Milk Consumption
- Higher income groups consume 3–4 times more milk per capita than lower income groups.
- The poorest 30% of households consume only 18% of India's milk.
- Urban areas consume 30% more milk than rural areas.
- Rajasthan, Punjab, and Haryana consume over 300g per day, while Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and West Bengal consume less than 171g per day.
- Challenges in Milk Access - Affordability is a key issue; 70% of Indian households would spend 10–30% of monthly food costs to meet the 300g/day intake.
- Affluent urban households overconsume, leading to obesity and health issues.
- Social groups like Scheduled Tribes have the lowest milk consumption.
- Milk Macronutrients and Micronutrients- High-quality proteins like casein and whey for muscle development and repair.
- Calcium essential for bone health and osteoporosis prevention.
- Vitamins A, D, B12 for immune function and energy metabolism.
- Essential fatty acids for brain development.
- Natural sugar, lactose.
What are Impact of Malnutrition and Undernutrition Due to Milk Deficits?
- Nutrient Deficits Impact on Children- Impaired growth due to lack of essential nutrients.
- Weakened immunity - Due to increased infection susceptibility.
- Cognitive impairment - Affecting brain development and learning abilities.
- Maternal Health and Economic Impact of Malnutrition - Risks maternal health complications & Decreases productivity and increases healthcare costs.
What is the Link between Overconsumption of High-Fat Dairy and Obesity?
- Caloric Surplus - Excessive intake of high-fat dairy products can contribute to weight gain.
- Saturated Fats - High consumption may increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
- Lifestyle Factors - Sedentary habits combined with high dairy consumption exacerbate obesity risks.
India’s Dairy Sector – Key Statistics
- India ranks 1st in global milk production, contributing 24% of total global milk.
- Milk production: 230.58 million tonnes (2022-23).
- Per capita milk availability - 459 grams/day, higher than the global average of 323 grams/day.
- Dairy sector contributes 5% to India’s economy and supports over 8 crore farmers, mostly women.
White Revolution & Dairy Industry in India
- Verghese Kurien - Known as the 'Father of the White Revolution' in India, he was instrumental in transforming India's dairy industry.
- Operation Flood - Launched in 1970, it was the world's largest dairy development program aimed at creating a nationwide milk grid.
- Objectives - Increase milk production, augment rural incomes, and provide fair prices for consumers.
- Impact - Elevated India from a milk-deficient nation to the world's largest milk producer.
- Cooperative Movement - Empowered millions of rural dairy farmers through cooperative societies.
- National Milk Day - Celebrated on November 26
- Marks the birth anniversary of Dr. Verghese Kurien, the “Father of White Revolution.”
- Organized by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying.
- National Dairy Development Board - It is a statutory body. It was declared an institution of national importance by the National Dairy Development Board Act, 1987.
- Primary Objective - To promote, finance, and support producer-owned and controlled organizations in the dairy sector.
- It operates under the administrative control of the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairy.
What are the Challenges in the Indian Dairy Industry?
- Fragmented Supply Chains - Inefficient milk collection, processing, and distribution.
- Low Productivity - Poor nutrition, breeding, and veterinary care reduce milk yield.
- Fodder Shortage - Climate change and urbanization limit cattle feed availability.
- Limited Credit Access - Small farmers struggle to get loans for better infrastructure
- Milk Quality Issues - Adulteration and lack of proper testing facilities.
What are the Scope?
- Improve Animal Productivity -Better breeding, nutrition, and veterinary care
- Sex Sorted Semen technology to increase adoption from 35% to 70% for better cattle breeding
- Free vaccinations for Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and Brucellosis, with a target to eliminate them by 2030.
- Address Fodder Shortage - Promote high-yield fodder crops and sustainable feeding.
- Increase Credit Access- Provide easy loans through microfinance and government schemes.
- Ensure Quality Control - Set up more milk testing labs and enforce safety standards.
- Strengthen Cooperatives -Organize farmers for better pricing and supply chain management. Gujarat cooperative model
Policy Measures
- PM POSHAN (Mid-Day Meal Scheme) - Provides nutritious meals to school children, including milk.
- Central sponsor schemes under National Food Security Act,2013.
- Integrated Child Development Services - Improves maternal and child health through nutrition support.
- Provides milk and dairy products to pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children under 6.
- Rashtriya Gokul Mission - Improves indigenous cattle breeds for better milk production.
- Supports farmers with high-yield breeds and better dairy infrastructure.
- National Dairy Development Programme - Strengthens dairy cooperatives and improves milk distribution.
What Lies ahead?
- Strengthen veterinary services, promote vaccination programs, enhance disease surveillance, and early detection systems for livestock, formulate supportive policies, and provide incentives for animal husbandry and dairying investments.
- Enhance ICDS and Anganwadi services by monitoring nutrition, providing counseling, and offering balanced food.
Reference The Hindu
