India’s dairy sector has become the unexpected centre of a heated public debate, driven by concerns over a newly announced India-US interim trade framework, social media narratives about dairy feed imports, and a separate credibility challenge involving Amul product quality claims. The flashpoint for the controversy was the decision to permit limited imports of DDGS (Dried Distillers Grains with Solubles) — a by-product of ethanol production widely used as livestock feed. Although Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal clarified that the measure relates to feed and not dairy products, misinformation quickly spread on messaging platforms linking DDGS to “blood meal”-type animal proteins, triggering emotional responses among vegetarian consumers sensitive to dairy purity and food identity.
The episode was compounded by a viral video alleging discrepancies in fat and protein levels in Amul products, including its popular dahi variant. Despite Amul’s strong rebuttal that the claims were misleading and that its products undergo rigorous quality checks, the combination of trade-related anxiety and online content stirred public distrust toward established brands.
Beyond social media noise, farmer groups — including Samyukt Kisan Morcha and other unions — have expressed genuine economic concern that incremental openings under the trade framework could eventually expose Indian dairy producers to cheaper, subsidised imports, potentially eroding domestic prices and rural incomes. These worries echo broader protests and memoranda submitted by farmers from multiple states warning of threats to agricultural livelihoods if safeguards are not clearly delineated.
The broader fallout highlights a crisis of trust:
Do consumers trust that regulators and industry bodies are vigilant in ensuring product safety and purity?
Do farmers trust that trade negotiators will shield them from unfair competition and preserve the domestic value chain?
Do citizens trust in India’s cooperative system and digital narratives tied to dairy quality?
While India’s cooperative networks remain deeply embedded in the food economy, the controversy underscores the need for transparent communication, robust feed and import regulations, and proactive quality assurance frameworks. As the nation’s dairy sector continues to navigate global trade pressures and domestic expectations, rebuilding stakeholder trust may prove as important as preserving market protections.
Source : Dairynews7x7 Feb 15th 2026 Read full story here
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