Heavy Rains, Floods to Impact Dairy Output in India
Uncertain monsoon patterns, including heavy rains and floods, are likely to affect fodder availability and milk production in India over the coming months. Dairy farmers face challenges that may influence supply and prices across the sector.
The dairy sector in India is entering a crucial phase as the monsoon unfolds with mixed intensity. While timely rains usually boost fodder cultivation, this year heavy rains and floods have disrupted sowing in several states. Waterlogging in fodder fields and damage to standing crops are raising concerns over feed supply for cattle.
Experts point out that milk production trends in the coming months will depend heavily on how quickly the rains stabilize and whether affected regions can recover fodder stocks. In flood-hit areas, dairy farmers are struggling with cattle health, displacement, and access to veterinary services, which could further depress yields.
At the same time, regions receiving well-distributed monsoon showers are witnessing good fodder growth, which may partially offset shortfalls. The uneven monsoon pattern highlights the vulnerability of dairy in India to climate variability.
Industry stakeholders anticipate that procurement prices may rise if production slows, putting pressure on cooperatives and private dairies to balance farmer incomes with consumer affordability. Preparedness in terms of fodder banks, feed reserves, and better flood management is seen as critical for ensuring stability in the dairy supply chain during the rest of the season.
Uneven monsoon rains across India’s top milk-producing states—ranging from heavy rains and floods in central and western regions to deficient rains in the east—will significantly influence fodder availability and milk production in the coming months, posing challenges for the dairy industry nationwide.
Statewise Status
Uttar Pradesh, Punjab & Bihar
While Uttar Pradesh and Punjab have recorded normal rainfall so far, Bihar is facing a 44% rainfall deficit compared to its long-term average, according to IMD data . This shortfall threatens fodder cultivation critical for sustaining milk production. Regions in UP and Punjab may maintain current dairy output, but Bihar’s dairy sector risks contraction unless supplementary fodder sources are ensured.
Gujarat & Madhya Pradesh
Both Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh are experiencing above-normal rains—~35% and ~54% above average, respectively . These heavy rains boost fresh fodder growth in core dairy belts. However, there’s also an increased risk of localized floods, especially in low-lying areas, potentially disrupting fodder transport and dairy operations.
Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh & Telangana
The west coast and ghat regions of Maharashtra and Karnataka are experiencing active monsoon phases with extremely heavy rainfall . Coastal Andhra, Telangana, and parts of Maharashtra are regularly receiving heavy to very heavy rains, which bolster fodder growth but also pose flood risks that may damage grazing pastures or impede feed logistics .
Tamil Nadu
In Tamil Nadu, incidence of heavy to very heavy showers has been isolated and moderate so far . While northeast monsoon patterns haven’t fully developed yet, the region remains vulnerable to rainfall deficits that could hamper fodder reserves into the rabi season.
Andhra Pradesh & Telangana (Overall)
Southern states like Andhra Pradesh and Telangana are seeing regular monsoon activity but stay largely within normal rainfall limits . This continuity supports fodder availability, though increased monitoring is needed for potential waterlogging in certain rims.
State-wise Outlook
State / Region Monsoon Status Implications for Dairy Sector
Uttar Pradesh & Punjab Normal rainfall Stable fodder; production steady
Bihar Deficient (≈ -44%) Fodder shortages may reduce milk output. Milk prices may rise
Gujarat & Madhya Pradesh Excess rainfall (≈ +35–54%) Fodder boost, but flood risks loom. Gujarat also observe increase in milk prices by Amul in many unions.
Maharashtra & Karnataka (Ghats) Extremely heavy rains Fodder gain, but pasture/facility damage possible-Maharashtra milk prices and Agent’s commissions on the up. Karnataka also milk availability poor and KMF running under 90 lakhs LPD.
Andhra Pradesh & Telangana Normal to heavy localized rains Solid fodder growth, moderate flood vigilance needed..Milk Rate increasing in AP and Telangana
Tamil Nadu Moderate showers, variable Potential fodder deficits ahead if northeast monsoon weakens- Tamil Nadu also facing shortage of milk.
Outlook & Recommendations
•Milk production in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and parts of the south may hold firm or even rise post diwali—provided the farming infrastructure withstands flood-related disruptions.
•Bihar’s dairy sector is at greater risk due to monsoon deficiency, necessitating fodder subsidies, transport aid, or fodder imports. There might be shifting of milk from Maharashtra to Bihar in such scenario.
•Across regions, implementing flood-resistant fodder harvest/recovery protocols, deploying fodder banks, and ensuring veterinary outreach in rain-hit areas are critical to safeguarding dairy stability in the months ahead.
- Dairy commodity market may see a sharp increase in Butter and moderately in Ghee. SMP prices may also observe certain spikes around key festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi, Onam , Navratras and Diwali but due to localised shortages only
Source : Special Monsoon based blog by Kuldeep Sharma Chief editor Dairynews7x7