Ludhiana Spring Maize Area Drops on Water Concerns
The area under spring maize cultivation in Ludhiana has witnessed a sharp decline this season amid rising concerns over groundwater depletion, reflecting the agriculture department’s push to curb water-intensive crops. According to official data, around 10,000 hectares have been brought under spring maize so far, significantly lower than 16,000 hectares last year, and officials indicated…
FSSAI Tightens Rules on Digital Dairy E-Commerce
The recent notification issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India on compliance obligations for e-commerce food business operators under the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) model is a timely and much-needed intervention for the dairy sector. Effective from 1st April 2026, this order goes beyond a routine clarification—it attempts to correct…
Adulterated and unhygienic dairy foods Seized in Hyderabad
In a major food safety crackdown in Hyderabad, authorities seized around 3.8 tonnes of adulterated and unhygienic dairy products, including paneer, during raids conducted by the Khairtabad Zone Task Force and GHMC food safety teams at six dairy outlets near Ganj Bazar in Secunderabad. Investigations revealed that the outlets were sourcing paneer, khoa and other…
Value-Added Dairy Gains Momentum in Urban India
India’s urban dairy consumption is undergoing a major shift from traditional liquid milk to value-added dairy products, driven by changing lifestyles, rising incomes and increasing health awareness among consumers. Products such as flavoured milk, yogurt, cheese, paneer, probiotic drinks and fortified dairy beverages are witnessing strong demand, particularly among younger and working populations seeking convenience…
Lactalis Drives High-Protein Dairy Innovation
Lactalis Ingredients is accelerating innovation in high-protein dairy solutions, showcasing advanced whey and casein-based ingredients designed for functional nutrition applications at Food Ingredients China (March 17–19, 2026, Shanghai). The company highlighted a portfolio of high-performance dairy proteins—including Laktein WPC80 for protein enrichment, Pronativ native whey proteins for sports nutrition, rennet casein for cheese analogs and…
Truth Behind “Return of Dairy Cargo” — No Ban, But Disruption is Real
There is no confirmed advisory, restriction, or rejection of Indian dairy consignments such as butter or SMP by any Middle East country or Government authority. The narrative that “cargo is being sent back” is not backed by policy or regulatory evidence. However, dismissing the situation entirely would be equally incorrect. What is unfolding is not…
White Revolution 2.0 Targets 50% Milk Growth
The Government of India has outlined an ambitious roadmap under White Revolution 2.0, aiming to increase milk procurement by dairy cooperatives by 50% over the next five years, while expanding cooperative coverage and strengthening rural livelihoods. Launched on September 19, 2024, the initiative focuses on empowering uncovered panchayats through the cooperative model, enhancing market access,…
Varun Beverages Acquires Crickley Dairy in SA
Varun Beverages Ltd (VBL) has announced the acquisition of 100% stake in South Africa-based Crickley Dairy through its subsidiary, marking a significant expansion into the value-added dairy segment in international markets. The deal, valued at ₹1,314.68 million (about ₹131.47 crore), will give VBL full ownership of the dairy business, subject to regulatory approvals including clearance…
Dairy Counterfeiting Surges 2.5x in India
Milk and dairy products have emerged as the most targeted category for counterfeiting and adulteration in India’s FMCG sector, with incidents rising 2.5 times to 187 cases in 2025 compared to 2018, according to the ASPA-Crisil “State of Counterfeiting in India” report. Most counterfeit activity is concentrated in milk-based products such as milk, ghee, khoya…
Bihar Gets Boost Under Livestock, Dairy Schemes
The Government of India is strengthening the livestock and dairy sector in Bihar through multiple central schemes aimed at boosting productivity, entrepreneurship and farmer incomes. Under the National Livestock Mission (NLM), which focuses on employment generation, entrepreneurship development and increasing per-animal productivity, key interventions are being implemented across three sub-missions—breed development, feed and fodder development,…