India’s dairy sector could face a fresh wave of cost pressures if a forecasted Super El Niño disrupts fodder production, with climate experts warning that the next inflation shock may begin in the country’s fodder fields rather than food markets. According to a Down To Earth analysis, reduced monsoon rainfall, prolonged heatwaves and moisture stress could significantly lower the availability of green fodder and fodder crops, increasing feed costs for dairy farmers.
Since feed accounts for a major share of milk production expenses, higher fodder prices could directly translate into increased milk production costs and upward pressure on consumer milk prices. The report highlights that climate-induced disruptions to fodder availability could also affect livestock productivity, milk yields and farmer profitability, reinforcing the growing link between climate change and food inflation.
Experts stress that improving climate resilience through drought-tolerant fodder varieties, better water management, fodder conservation and stronger feed supply systems will be critical to protecting India’s dairy sector from future weather-related shocks. The warning comes amid broader concerns that a strong El Niño could weaken the southwest monsoon and intensify food inflation risks across agriculture and livestock. (Down To Earth)
Source: Dairynews7x7 23 July, 2026 Read full story here
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