Clean Milk at Risk: Farmers Hit by 18% GST on Technology
Progressive dairy farmers across India are questioning the government’s intent behind keeping essential technologies like bulk milk coolers and milking machines under the 18% GST slab. They ask: is the government not confident of their capability to adopt modern practices that ensure hygienic milk production and higher yields? Farmers argue that calling this a “farmer-friendly…
Dairy GST Cuts Bring Consumer Savings, Farmer Prosperity
India’s recent GST changes for dairy—cutting rates from 12% to 5% on ghee, cheese, and ice-cream (without chocolate), and zeroing GST on UHT milk, paneer, and chhanna—deliver significant cost relief across value-added segments. Ghee-bearing households may pocket savings of around ₹42 per kilogram, assuming full pass-through. Packaged paneer and UHT milk, now exempt, could become…
GST on Ghee: Aligning Policy with Ground Realities
GST on Ghee: A Trader-Friendly Approach Can Bridge Policy and Market Realities The Government of India is actively considering reducing GST on consumer goods including ghee from 12% to 5%, a move that has the potential to bring relief to households and boost demand for one of the most widely consumed dairy products in the…
Hydroponics Technology for Green Feed Production
by Dr Anup Kalra Towards Better Animal Health & Production I have been into sustainable integration of Livestock with Agriculture for creating value, not only for farmers but all the related stakeholders. Sustainable animal feeding and their health is an integral part of this economic value proposition. It is well established that about 65-70% of…
India Dairy-Based Chocolate Market Sees Strong Growth Momentum
India’s dairy-based chocolate market, particularly milk chocolate, continues to surge ahead, embracing innovation and broad consumer reach—making it a front-runner in India’s evolving confectionery landscape. The overall India chocolate market, estimated at USD 2.9 billion in 2024, is projected to nearly double to USD 5.5 billion by 2033, growing at a 7.3% CAGR (IMARC Group)….
FSSAI and its new nutrition ratings
by R N Bhaskar FSSAI (the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India — https://fssai.gov.in/ — is also known as the Food Authority. It comes under the ministry of Health & Family Welfare and Chemicals & Fertilisers (https://fssai.gov.in/flipbook.php?bookid=460&doc2=0#book2/). It was established in September 2008 for “laying down science-based standards for articles of food and to regulate their…
मानसून की वर्षा में असमानता से प्रमुख राज्यों में दूध उत्पादन पर खतरा
भारी बारिश और बाढ़ से भारत में डेयरी उत्पादन प्रभावित होगा भारी बारिश और बाढ़ सहित अनिश्चित मानसून पैटर्न आने वाले महीनों में भारत में चारे की उपलब्धता और दूध उत्पादन को प्रभावित कर सकते हैं। डेयरी किसानों को ऐसी चुनौतियों का सामना करना पड़ रहा है जो पूरे क्षेत्र में आपूर्ति और कीमतों को…
Monsoon Rain Disparity Threatens Milk Output in Key States
Heavy Rains, Floods to Impact Dairy Output in India Uncertain monsoon patterns, including heavy rains and floods, are likely to affect fodder availability and milk production in India over the coming months. Dairy farmers face challenges that may influence supply and prices across the sector. The dairy sector in India is entering a crucial phase…
Productivity Gains Mean Little Without Fair Pay to Farmers
As India commemorates its 79th Independence Day, a moment of profound gratitude and collective reflection on the nation’s remarkable journey, few narratives resonate as powerfully as the transformation of its dairy sector. We went from a country with very little milk to becoming the world leader in dairy. This wasn’t just about making more milk;…
Don’t Trade India’s Dairy for a Deal with the U.S
Today I was invited to a panel discussion on the India-US Trade Deal, organised by Bharat Krishak Samaj. The session was opened by Ajay Vir Jakhar, who, referring to the pre-decided title of the program, jokingly asked, “What should we call this program now—India-US No Deal?” The hall erupted in laughter, instantly setting the tone…