Truth Behind “Return of Dairy Cargo” — No Ban, But Disruption is Real
There is no confirmed advisory, restriction, or rejection of Indian dairy consignments such as butter or SMP by any Middle East country or Government authority. The narrative that “cargo is being sent back” is not backed by policy or regulatory evidence. However, dismissing the situation entirely would be equally incorrect. What is unfolding is not…
When the World Feels Uncertain, Milk Still Brings Trust
Trust: The Next White Revolution The world today is passing through uncertain times. Wars are disrupting global trade routes, commodity markets are behaving unpredictably and regulators everywhere are tightening their grip on food systems. In such times, it is natural for industries to feel the pressure. The dairy sector in India is no exception. In…
Mandatory Daily Record of Production and Raw Material Utilisation
I recently reviewed the notification issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India in the context of Schedule IV of the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011. Although I came across it a little late, there is still an opportunity for stakeholders to review the implications and…
FSSAI makes registration to all milk vendors in India
The recent advisory issued by Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) mandating registration of milk vendors is a timely and progressive step towards strengthening traceability and accountability in India’s milk distribution ecosystem. For a long time, a significant portion of milk in India has been sold in loose or unbranded form through informal…
Rajahmundry Milk Incident: Accident or Adulteration?
The recent editorial “Bitter Milk” published by The Hindu raises important concerns about food safety in India. The editorial deserves appreciation for attempting to broaden the conversation and underline the need for stronger governance and enforcement in the food sector. The tragedy reported in Rajahmundry, where milk contaminated with ethylene glycol reportedly led to several…
Milk Prices Rise in South & West: Is North Next?
The recent round of retail milk price increases across South India and Maharashtra is no longer an episodic adjustment but a clear signal of structural stress building up in India’s milk economy. Over the past few months, multiple dairy companies in the southern states have revised retail prices upward by ₹2–₹3 per litre, largely through…
India’s Dairy Climate Paradox: Production Triumph Meets Methane Time-Bomb
India’s rise to the top of the global dairy league board has been one of the most remarkable agricultural success stories of the 21st century. With milk production surpassing 247 million tonnes per year and household incomes rising in hinterland India, this narrative of abundance is rightly a source of pride. Yet beneath the figures…
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…
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…
Coliform in Milk -Look Beyond Brands to Cold Chain Gaps
Recent independent lab tests have triggered alarm over coliform bacteria and high total plate counts (TPC) in popular pouch milk brands — Amul Taaza, Amul Gold, Mother Dairy and Country Delight — with counts far exceeding FSSAI’s safety limits in some samples. Amul Taaza’s coliform levels were reported at 98× the prescribed limit, Mother Dairy’s…