As I write this column for the December 2025 Issue, it is with a deep sense of gratitude and fulfilment that I share that this will be my last President's Desk message as President of the Indian Dairy Association (IDA). The past three and a half years have been an enriching journey - a period of growth, resilience, and renewed purpose for our dairy fraternity. I take this opportunity to sincerely thank every member, zonal office bearer, and chapter representative for their wholehearted support and cooperation throughout my tenure.

Before I look back, let me first extend my warmest congratulations to Shri Sudhir Kumar Singh, the newly elected President of the Indian Dairy Association, and Central Executive Committee (CEC) members. Shri Singh is a capable and experienced leader who has served the Association with dedication. I am confident that under his leadership, IDA will continue to move forward with vigour, professionalism, and inclusiveness – further strengthening its position as the apex body representing India's dairy sector.

The past month also marked an important milestone for the Western Region, with the successful inauguration of the two-day National Seminar on "Dairy Development in Goa - Opportunities and Challenges", organized by the Indian Dairy Association (West Zone) in collaboration with the Department of Animal Husbandry & Department of Cooperation, Government of Goa; Goa Dairy; and SUMUL Dairy.

The seminar underscored the strong spirit of collaboration between government, cooperatives, and industry leaders in identifying new pathways for strengthening Goa's dairy sector. A special highlight of the event was the presentation of the Best Women Farmer Awards 2025, honouring exceptional women dairy farmers from Goa, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh – a true celebration of empowerment, excellence, and the rising role of women in shaping India's dairy future. Such initiatives exemplify IDA's ongoing commitment to promoting inclusivity and recognising the grassroots contributions that make Indian dairying a people's movement.

Reflecting on these past years, the Indian dairy sector has undergone profound transformation – both in its structure and outlook. From shifting consumer preferences and rising nutritional awareness to technological interventions and environmental concerns, the dairy landscape has evolved rapidly. Through this period of change, IDA has played a pivotal role as a bridge between farmers, industry, academia, and policymakers, ensuring that the interests of the sector remained protected and promoted at every level.

We worked closely with the Government of India and regulatory authorities to bring clarity and fairness to dairy policies. IDA's proactive stand prompted FSSAI action against misleading "plant-based dairy" terminology, ensuring that products derived from non-dairy sources cannot misuse traditional dairy names like "milk," "butter," or "ghee." We also played a key role in supporting FSSAI's directions on A1/A2 and Front-ofPack Nutrition Labelling (FOPNL), ensuring that dairy products are evaluated on scientific and nutritional grounds, not on arbitrary global templates.

Over the past years, IDA has also taken a clear and consistent stand on matters related to international trade and Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). We have strongly advocated that India must exercise strategic caution while negotiating FTAs – especially with major dairyexporting countries such as the USA, New Zealand, Australia, and the EU – where heavily subsidised dairy products could pose a serious threat to the livelihoods of millions of our small and marginal dairy farmers. IDA's representations to the Ministry of Commerce, the Board of Trade, and various parliamentary committees have underscored the need to keep sensitive dairy tariff lines out of concessional market access and to safeguard India's unique, inclusive dairy model. Our stance has been firmly rooted in protecting farmer incomes, ensuring fair competition, and preserving India's self-reliant dairy ecosystem while encouraging export growth in highvalue, niche categories where India holds natural strengths.

IDA's advocacy efforts were also instrumental in securing GST rationalisation and HSN classification clarity for milk cans and other dairy items, simplifying compliance and easing the cost burden for cooperatives and processors. These policy-level outcomes, achieved through sustained dialogue and credible representation, reaffirm IDA's position as a trusted and responsible voice of the industry.

Our engagement extended to the highest policy forums, with IDA earning representation on the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Food Processing, as well as on the Board of Trade under the Ministry of Commerce. This recognition reflects the government's faith in IDA's expertise and balanced approach in guiding national policies related to dairy trade, exports, and farmer welfare.

Parallel to these advocacy efforts, we focused on revitalising IDA's communication and outreach. The Indian Dairyman was given a completely new and modern look, while the Indian Journal of Dairy Science (IJDS) achieved a NAAS rating of 6.2, reinforcing its status as a respected scientific publication. Our zonal and chapter-level events saw record participation - with the 51st Dairy Industry Conference in Patna setting new benchmarks for scale and quality, attended by over 2,500 delegates and graced by senior Union Ministers and policymakers.

IDA's membership drive also received an overwhelming response, crossing 4,150 members, and our enhanced digital presence – including over 27,000 followers on LinkedIn – has helped build stronger connections with young professionals and students. Financially, IDA recorded consistent surpluses through transparent and efficient management, thereby ensuring long-term institutional stability.

As we look ahead, IDA stands at a critical juncture – facing both immense opportunities and pressing challenges.

On the opportunity side, India's dairy sector remains the largest in the world, with unparalleled potential for value addition, exports, and innovation. Rising global demand for dairy fat and proteins, coupled with India's focus on Viksit Bharat 2047, presents an unprecedented chance to establish "Brand India – A Dairy to the World." Expanding exports, building robust supply chains, and investing in quality certification and traceability will be key to realising this vision.

There are also opportunities to strengthen women's participation, promote climate-smart dairying, and harness digital and AI-based solutions for productivity, feed efficiency, and animal health. The cooperative model – a cornerstone of India's dairy success – must continue to evolve to empower producer organisations, ensure fair price discovery, and integrate smallholders into national and global value chains.

However, these opportunities come with real challenges. IDA must navigate the growing misinformation around dairy and nutrition, counter anti-dairy narratives with science-based communication, and maintain consumer trust in milk as a natural and wholesome food. The challenges of climate change, feed scarcity, and cost volatility also demand collective solutions – through innovation, sustainable practices, and supportive policies. Equally, IDA must ensure that it remains relevant to its diverse membership base by, fostering regional engagement, and ensuring that younger professionals and students see IDA as their platform for learning, networking, and contributing to the sector's growth.

Going forward, IDA must continue strengthening its collaboration with national institutions such as NDDB, NDRI, and ICAR, while also expanding its global footprint through partnerships with IDF and other international dairy bodies. By positioning itself as both a knowledge hub and advocacy platform, IDA can play a decisive role in shaping India's dairy roadmap for the next two decades.

As I conclude my final note as President, I feel immense pride in what we have achieved together. I express my heartfelt appreciation to all IDA members, zonal chairmen, the CEC, and the Secretariat team for their dedication, professionalism, and teamwork. It has been an honour to serve this great institution and to contribute, in some measure, to the collective progress of India's dairy fraternity.

I now pass the baton with full confidence that the new leadership under Shri Sudhir Kumar Singh will take IDA to even greater heights – guided by the same spirit of unity, service, and commitment that has always defined our Association.