India’s dairy and poultry sectors are facing mounting challenges as recurring heatwaves and rising temperatures begin to impact livestock productivity, farmer incomes, and rural livelihoods. According to recent reports, heat stress is reducing feed intake, milk production, fertility, and overall animal health, while simultaneously increasing water consumption, cooling expenses, and veterinary costs. The impact is particularly severe for smallholder farmers who depend on livestock as a daily source of income and a safeguard against crop losses.
The issue is significant given that livestock contributes 30.23% of India’s agricultural Gross Value Added (GVA) and nearly 5.5% of the country’s overall economy. The dairy sector alone accounts for around 5% of India’s GDP. As the world’s largest milk producer, even small declines in milk yield can have substantial economic consequences for India’s dairy industry. Rising temperatures trigger faster breathing, elevated heart rates, and behavioural changes in cattle, adversely affecting milk output and reproductive performance. Poultry farmers are also reporting slower bird growth, reduced feed consumption, increased disease susceptibility, and higher mortality risks during extreme heat conditions.
To counter these challenges, dairy and poultry producers are increasingly investing in heat-resilience measures such as improved ventilation, cooling systems, shade structures, water management, and climate-smart livestock practices. However, experts warn that as heatwaves become more frequent and prolonged, sustained investments and adaptive strategies will be critical to protect animal welfare, maintain productivity, and safeguard farmer incomes across India’s livestock sector.
Source: Dairynews7x7 30 May, 2026 Read full story here