India’s dairy sector, which contributes nearly one-fourth of global milk production, supports the livelihoods of more than eight crore farmers, most of them small and marginal producers who depend on dairy as a reliable source of daily income. Women play a vital role across the value chain—from feeding and caring for livestock to collecting and marketing milk—making them the backbone of rural dairy operations.
Experts highlight that improving cattle genetics is essential for sustaining dairy growth, with programmes such as the Rashtriya Gokul Mission focusing on breed improvement and genetic upgradation of indigenous cattle. Veterinary services have also expanded through the Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme, which deploys Mobile Veterinary Units providing diagnosis, treatment, vaccination and minor surgical services at farmers’ doorsteps, especially benefiting smallholders with limited access to veterinary care.
In addition, innovative livestock healthcare practices are emerging, including the use of Ayurveda and Ethno-Veterinary Medicine as low-cost, eco-friendly solutions to manage animal diseases such as bovine mastitis while reducing reliance on antibiotics. Strengthening these initiatives is the government’s White Revolution 2.0, whose Standard Operating Procedure was launched in September 2024 and formally rolled out in December 2024, with a five-year mission planned from 2024-25 to 2028-29 to boost dairy productivity and sustainability.
Source: Dairynews7x7 8th March, 2026 Read full story here
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