Private Dairy Can Drive India’s Nutrition Shift
India’s dairy sector, despite producing a record 247.87 million tonnes of milk in 2024–25 and achieving per capita availability of around 471 grams per day—well above the recommended 300 grams—continues to face a significant nutrition gap, with widespread “hidden hunger” including deficiencies in iron, vitamin B12, zinc, and folate affecting millions. A key structural issue…
Israel Unveils 9-Step Dairy Efficiency Plan
Israel’s Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has introduced a nine-step program to streamline the dairy industry and reduce milk prices for consumers, signaling a major structural reform in one of the world’s most regulated dairy markets. (Government of Israel) The plan focuses on improving efficiency across the value chain by promoting market competition, optimizing…
India-NZ FTA Opens Zero-Duty Trade Window
India and New Zealand have signed a landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA) that grants 100% duty-free access to Indian exports, while unlocking a $20 billion (₹18.49 lakh crore) investment commitment over the next 15 years, marking a major step in strengthening bilateral trade and economic cooperation. (Press Information Bureau) The agreement covers all tariff lines,…
Private Dairy Key to India’s Nutrition Shift
India’s dairy sector is central to nutrition security, yet a large gap persists between milk production and actual nutritional outcomes, raising questions about whether private dairies can bridge this divide. An analysis highlights that despite India being the world’s largest milk producer, millions still suffer from “hidden hunger,” including deficiencies in iron, vitamin B12, and…
Goa Hikes Milk Procurement Price, Retail Stable
Panaji: The Goa government has increased the milk procurement price to support local dairy farmers, while keeping retail milk prices unchanged for consumers, reflecting a calibrated approach to balance farmer welfare and consumer affordability. The decision comes amid rising demands from milk producers for better compensation, with the hike aimed at improving farmer incomes without…
NMPF Backs Dairy PRIDE Act Push in US
The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) has strongly supported the reintroduction of the Dairy PRIDE Act, calling for stricter enforcement of labeling rules to prevent plant-based products from using dairy terms such as “milk,” “cheese,” and “yogurt.” (Oklahoma Farm Report) NMPF stated that the DAIRY PRIDE Act would direct the US Food and Drug Administration…
Karnataka May Hike Milk Prices Amid Cost Surge
Karnataka is set to increase milk prices following mounting pressure from farmers due to rising production costs, according to Animal Husbandry Minister K. Venkatesh. The minister acknowledged that input costs are increasing daily, making farmers’ demand for higher milk prices justified, while the government aims to balance both farmer welfare and consumer affordability. Farmers have…
Milk Stalls to Be Allotted to Dairy Cooperatives
The government has decided to allocate milk booths and stalls exclusively to dairy cooperatives, aiming to strengthen their direct access to consumers and improve market presence. The move is expected to benefit cooperative institutions by providing dedicated retail infrastructure, reducing dependence on private vendors, and ensuring better price realization for milk producers. By prioritising cooperatives…
Himachal Dairy Farmers Seek Payment Certainty
Dairy farmers in Himachal Pradesh have raised concerns over irregular milk payments and policy uncertainty, urging the government to introduce fixed monthly payment schedules and clearer procurement policies to stabilise the sector. The demands were highlighted during a meeting organised by the Mandi Milk Federation, bringing together farmers, livestock rearers, and rural entrepreneurs. (The Tribune)…
UK Opens Milk Sector Survey for Fairer Supply Chain
The UK’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has launched a new milk sector survey, inviting dairy farmers, processors and industry bodies to share feedback on how the supply chain is functioning amid current challenges. The short survey, which takes around 10 minutes to complete, is now open and will close on 20…