India’s Small Dairy Farms Play Key Role in Emissions Reduction
India’s smallholder dairy farms—responsible for the majority of the country’s milk supply—are critical to reducing global dairy-related greenhouse gas emissions. However, their low productivity makes Indian dairy among the most carbon-intensive worldwide. The average milk yield per cow in India is just 1,700 kg per year, which is only 16% of North America’s and 25%…
India Cuts GST on Plant-Based Milk and Meat to 5%
The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council has reduced the tax on plant-based milk and meat alternatives to 5%, aligning it with rates applied to animal-based products. The move is being seen as a significant boost for the country’s fast-growing vegan and plant-based food sector. Until now, most plant-based products such as soy, almond, oat…
India and NZ: A Dairy Deal that Could Be a Game-Changer?
The Free Trade Agreement between India and New Zealand reignites the dairy debate: will it open markets for NZ or threaten Indian producers? India and New Zealand are negotiating a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) that could redefine global dairy trade—but at what cost? This week, from 1 to 7 September 2025, the third round of…
Transforming Rajasthan into India’s Leading Dairy Hub :CM
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma has outlined the government’s vision to transform the state into not just an agricultural hub but also India’s largest dairy hub. Speaking at the Gau Mahakumbh, a global summit on cows, organised by the Shri Devraha Baba Gau Seva Parivar in Jaipur yesterday, the Chief Minister highlighted the significant…
India’s Milk Gender Gap: Women Drinking Less, Health Risks
A National Family Health Survey reveals that in 2021, 80% of men consumed dairy weekly, compared to just 71% of women, a gap that has remained unchanged over 15 years . While overall dairy consumption rose from 60% in 2006 to 75% in 2021, this persistent gender disparity may have serious health consequences. According to…
India offers cars, dairy exports to Africa in barter push
At the CII India–Africa Business Conclave, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal proposed a strategic trade exchange: India could supply motor vehicles and high-quality milk products to African nations, in return importing diamonds, gold, petroleum, agricultural produce, pulses, and lentils. He highlighted this as a means to bolster India–Africa trade—currently at $82 billion—with ambitions to double it…
India’s Protein Craze Sparks Fast Food & Dairy Innovation
India’s protein momentum is reshaping both dairy and fast-food sectors. With an estimated 73% of the 1.4 billion population protein-deficient, especially in rural areas , the wellness narrative has evolved from niche to mainstream. McDonald’s India introduced a global-first vegetarian protein slice for burgers, developed with government food labs. The product sold out rapidly—32,000 units…
Chidambaram: India Must Retain Agri-Dairy Protections
In a wide-ranging interview, former Finance Minister P. Chidambaram underscores the vital importance of protecting India’s agricultural and dairy sectors amid mounting global trade pressures. He asserts that these sectors aren’t just economic contributors—they are lifelines for a vast swathe of India’s workforce. With agriculture and dairy employing approximately 45% of the population—far exceeding the…
India’s Dairy Model: Trade Strength Built on Low Costs
By Harish Damodaran How competitive and efficient is India’s dairy sector? That’s a question being asked, especially with pressure on India from the Donald Trump administration in the United States to open up its market to American dairy products. One way to assess competitiveness is prices. Take corn (maize), where the farmgate price in the US is…
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)….