India’s dairy sector is facing growing challenges from climate change, with rising temperatures and prolonged heat stress significantly reducing milk production and threatening the livelihoods of millions of dairy farmers, according to a report published by The Hindu.
Research cited in the report shows that heat stress can reduce milk yields by 10–30% during the first lactation and 5–20% in subsequent lactations, with impacts lasting 2–5 days after extreme temperature events. A study by the Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute (IGFRI) estimates that annual milk production in the northern plains—responsible for nearly 30% of India’s milk output—could decline by 361,000 tonnes by 2039, resulting in economic losses of around ₹1,193 crore.
Scientists attribute the decline to reduced feed intake, lower fertility, higher disease incidence and increased physiological stress in dairy animals during heatwaves. The report highlights that India, the world’s largest milk producer with a record 239 million tonnes of milk production in 2023–24, must accelerate climate-resilient dairy practices, including improved housing, cooling systems, heat-tolerant breeds, better nutrition and enhanced water management, to safeguard future milk production and farmer incomes.
Experts warn that without timely adaptation measures, climate change could pose a major long-term threat to India’s dairy productivity and food security. (energynews.oedigital.com)
Source: Dairynews7x7 6 July Read full story here
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