Cabinet approves Rs 2000 Crore grant in aid to NCDC
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today has approved the Central Sector Scheme “Grant in aid to National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC)” with an outlay of Rs.2000 crore for a period of four years from 2025-26 to 2028- 29 (Rs.500 crore each year from FY 2025-26). On the basis of…
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…
China Set to Boost Whole Milk Powder Imports
According to the USDA and industry projections, China is expected to significantly increase imports of whole milk powder (WMP) in 2025 as domestic consumption strengthens. Rising urban incomes, continued protein-focused dietary shifts, and the recovery of foodservice demand are driving renewed appetite for WMP despite China’s large domestic dairy base . This demand uptick is…
Goa’s Monthly Milk Output Falls Short of Daily Demand
According to data shared by Goa’s Animal Husbandry Minister Nilkant Halarnkar, the state’s milk procurement averages just 37,986 litres per month in FY 2024‑25, far below the average daily requirement of 48,818 litres. In the current fiscal up to June 2025, procurement slightly declined to 35,653 litres/month, while daily demand remains at 45,380 litres . The gap between monthly supply and…
Are lab-grown dairy proteins truly identical to natural dairy?
For centuries, nature has been humanity’s primary source of protein. But today, alongside fields, farms and seas, laboratories are joining the list, an innovation that is likely to reshape the future of food. By combining traditional fermentation and modern biotechnology, scientists are using genetically modified yeast that acts like tiny factories to produce lab-based proteins…
Kerala Local Bodies Step In to Support Dairy Fodder
In a significant relief measure for Kerala’s struggling dairy farmers, local self-government institutions have been directed to allocate emergency financial assistance to ensure fodder availability. The state government has recognized the fodder crisis caused by irregular monsoons and increased input costs. Summary Table of supports to farmer Category Details / Figures Hay Support Rate ₹4/kg…
From Delhi risks to a domestic dairy bust
It’s increasingly clear that China’s corporate giants and its vast consumer base are navigating a period of profound recalibration. This dual challenge is vividly illustrated by two diverging trends: the complex dance of Chinese companies in India, driven by fraught geopolitics; and the unmistakable maturation of China’s domestic consumer market, where the once-booming dairy sector…
Fonterra meeting functional dairy ingredients demands of North Asia
In the dynamic markets of Japan and South Korea, Fonterra has emerged as a crucial player in the evolving world of functional dairy ingredients. These countries represent a unique combination of demographic shifts, health consciousness and culinary innovation that is transforming the dairy landscape. With Japan boasting more than 90,000 centenarians and South Korea projected…
Biggest challenge faced by Maharashtra dairy farmers?
Amarsingh Kadam is currently facing challenges in maintaining his herd of 30 cows due to the local dairy’s procurement price of Rs 32 per litre. The farmer from the Sansar village in Pune’s Indapur taluka sells 300 litres of milk daily to the local dairy; however, the current price is putting a strain on his…
Diversifying India’s livestock: goats & poultry trade potential
A recent Down To Earth feature highlights a pivotal shift in India’s livestock strategy—beyond traditional dairy cattle (“big hooves”), attention is now expanding to small ruminants (goats, sheep) and poultry (“small hooves and beaks”) due to their economic resilience, low input needs, and export potential . Goat populations in India have grown significantly—from 148 million presently (16% of…