World Milk Day 2025 -Sip by Sip Building A Healthier Nation
Introduction From the first drop a baby tastes to the energy boost an athlete needs; milk stays with us through every stage of life. Rich in calcium, protein and essential nutrients, this simple white liquid plays a big role in building strong bones, boosting immunity and supporting overall health. Recognising its immense value, the world…
Opening New Pathways for India’s Milk Cooperatives
During a recent assignment in rural Rajasthan, I was tasked with facilitating the registration of several primary dairy cooperative societies. The objective was to empower local dairy farmers by formalizing their operations and integrating them into the cooperative framework. However, I encountered an unexpected regulatory hurdle: the registration process mandated that these primary cooperatives affiliate…
Global Dairy Subsidies: Inequality and Sustainability Rhetoric
Recently, India has successfully concluded a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the United Kingdom, and negotiations with New Zealand have commenced. In contrast, the United States continues to engage in tariff politics with numerous countries worldwide. Throughout these negotiations, the Indian government and the Prime Minister have consistently taken a firm stance against opening sensitive…
Why Amul’s ₹2 Hike Reflects More Than Just Market Forces ?
The recent ₹2 milk price increase, therefore, is not just a business adjustment — it is a signal. A signal that India’s dairy system, despite its global scale and cooperative strength, is under pressure. On May 1, 2025, Amul announced a nationwide increase in milk prices by ₹2 per litre across all variants. Mother dairy…
Milk Under Siege: Exposing the Truth Behind Dairy Myths
In recent years, a surge of misinformation targeting dairy products has emerged, often propagated by self-proclaimed health experts and even some qualified medical professionals through social media platforms. This paper aims to critically examine these claims, fact-check popular myths, and present scientifically validated insights into the nutritional value of dairy products. It also addresses the…
India eyes WTO-safe measures to protect dairy from US impact
India plans to use World Trade Organization (WTO)-safe non-tariff barriers (NTBs) to shield its dairy sector from U.S. market access as part of the ongoing bilateral trade negotiations aimed at more than doubling two-way commerce to 500 billion dollars by 2030, a senior government official said. “Some items like dairy will be caught in NTBs…
Dairy FY 2025-26: Navigating Uncertainty, Seizing Opportunity
As we step into a new financial year, the dairy industry stands at a crossroads shaped by multiple forces—climate fluctuations, milk availability, feed and fodder dynamics, and shifting market conditions. The road ahead will be defined by how these variables interact, influencing production, pricing, and sustainability. Scenario planning isn’t just an exercise; it’s a necessity…
National Dairy Data Centre:Closing the Trust Gap
In the recently concluded 51st DIC at Patna, the Union Minister for Dairying has urged the private dairy sector to share data to facilitate better policymaking. While this may seem like a step towards inclusivity, it raises concerns about fairness and transparency. For the first time, on a national platform, I have seen the government…
The Indian Dairy CEO’s Dilemma: Balancing Sustainability, Talent, and Growth
While preparing notes to moderate a CEO roundtable session for an upcoming program at 51st Dairy Industry conference at Patna, I came across an insightful global survey that annually assesses the priorities of dairy industry leaders. Conducted by McKinsey & Company in collaboration with the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), this research provides a clear…
Building a Culture of Consistency in Dairy
Consistency in dairy products is not just a technical challenge—it is a strategic necessity. Consumers expect the same taste, texture, and quality every time they buy milk, butter, cheese, or yogurt. However, delivering uniformity in dairy products is far more complex than in many other industries. It requires managing multiple variables, from breed and feeding…