India–US trade deal: open doors with caution, quota shields farmers
In a nuanced take on the recently agreed India–United States trade framework, agriculture economist Ashok Gulati argues that while India has conceded some openings to U.S. agricultural products, the approach is calibrated with quota systems and protective safeguards to prevent a flood of imports that could derail domestic farm livelihoods. Gulati notes that India’s agricultural…
TN milk down as feed shortage hits output; Karnataka fares better
Milk production in Tamil Nadu is under visible stress as chronic shortages of cattle feed and rising fodder costs begin to bite harder at the farm level. According to field observations and official assessments, inadequate availability of quality green fodder and balanced concentrate feed has led to lower per-animal productivity, particularly among crossbred cows. Farmers…
SC Seeks FSSAI Response on Front-of-Pack Labelling; Dairy Sector in Focus
The Supreme Court of India has sought a detailed response from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) on the implementation of Front-of-Pack Labelling (FOPL) norms, as consumer groups and public health advocates push for clearer nutrition signalling on packaged foods. The court’s direction comes amid debates on how FOPL should apply across…
India’s First Cow Culture Museum in Mathura
India’s first national “Cow Culture Museum” is set to be established in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, on the campus of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Veterinary Science University, announced the Uttar Pradesh Braj Teerth Vikas Parishad. The project, initiated with state support, aims to showcase the religious, cultural, spiritual and scientific significance of cows and their products, promoting…
Rajasthan Doubles Dairy Infrastructure Fund (RCDFIDF)
Rajasthan has significantly stepped up its commitment to the dairy sector by doubling the Rajasthan Cooperative Dairy Infrastructure Development Fund (RCDFIDF) from ₹1,000 crore to ₹2,000 crore in the State Budget 2026–27. The move is aimed at strengthening milk procurement, processing infrastructure and market access, with a clear focus on improving farmer incomes and cooperative…
Why India’s Dairy Needs a National Fodder Grid ?
Recently, I moderated the Farmer’s session at 52nd DIC. While deliberating on pathways for Kerala to move towards milk self-reliance, K S Mani, Chairman of Milma, articulated a compelling thought: just as the National Power Grid allows surplus electricity to flow to deficit states, India needs a National Fodder Grid so that fodder surplus regions…
An unexpected link between cheese and dementia-Study
Higher intake of full-fat cheese and cream was linked to a lower dementia risk in a large Swedish study, though only in certain groups. Experts say the results likely reflect overall diet and lifestyle, not a magic effect of dairy. Credit: Shutterstock A major long-term study from Sweden found that middle-aged and older adults who ate…
Heritage Foods Refutes Ghee Supply Claims, Threatens Defamation Action
Heritage Foods Ltd has strongly denied claims linking its dairy products to alleged sub-standard ghee supplied for use at the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple (TTD), calling the assertions “baseless and defamatory.” The company said in a public statement that it has no contractual association with the Tirumala temple’s ghee procurement and warned that it will initiate…
UK dairy farmers could face import pressure from India
Dairy farmers could face increased import competition under the UK’s new trade deal with India, MPs have warned during a debate in parliament. Concerns were raised that the agreement could open the British dairy market to Indian products without delivering meaningful new export opportunities for UK cheeses and other dairy goods in return. The debate…
Unilever Ice Cream Sees Turnaround in India; Focus on Growth
Unilever’s ice cream business in India — anchored by the Heartbrand portfolio including Cornetto, Magnum and Kwality Walls — is reporting a notable turnaround after a challenging period marked by pandemic-era disruptions and competitive pressure. The unit’s CEO said the business has regained momentum through expanded distribution, category innovation and strengthened operational execution, contributing to…