Celebrating 75 Years of Association with Indian Dairy Industry

This year, Indian Dairy Association (IDA) is celebrating 75 years of its existence, witnessing the remarkable growth in the Indian Dairy Industry. The industry has achieved significant milestones and growth over the years, positioning itself as one of the largest and most dynamic dairy industries in the world. The Amul cooperative model, initiated by Shri Tribhuvandas Patel and Dr. Verghese Kurien, is a shining example of the success of dairy cooperatives in India. It has empowered millions of dairy farmers by providing them with fair prices for their milk and access to modern dairy technology and practices. The dairy industry has played a crucial role in providing employment opportunities, particularly in rural areas. Millions of people are employed in various aspects of dairy farming, milk collection, dairy processing and marketing, etc. To celebrate this journey of 75 Years, IDA is conducting various events/activities through its Zones and Chapters across the nation. In this series of events, IDA (West Zone) recently organized a seminar on "Role of Milk and Milk Products in Health and Disease Prevention" in Andheri, Mumbai in association with Association of Food Scientists and Technologists India (AFSTi); Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT); Shree Vitthaldas Thackersey College, SNDT University; G.N. Khalsa College (Autonomous); Bombay Veterinary College, MAFSU; and Consumer Guidance Society of India (CGSI). During the seminar, Padma Shri Dr. V. Mohan, Chairman and Chief of Diabetology, Madras Diabetic Research Foundation, Chennai, gave an overview of components in milk and their roles and cited several publications depicting the statistically significant results advocating no harm on milk consumption. In continuation to 75 Years celebration, Zones and Chapters of IDA will organize several such events, spreading awareness amongst consumers about the benefit of Milk and Milk products and their role in human nutrition.

In a welcome move, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has initiated a nationwide surveillance study on milk and milk products this month to combat the issue of adulteration in the essential food items. The scope of the survey is extensive, encompassing various dairy products such as milk, khoa, chenna, paneer, ghee, butter, curd, and ice cream. The parameters under scrutiny include the detection of adulterants, assessment of normal quality and compositional factors, examination for contaminants, antibiotic residue levels, and microbiological indicators.

This comprehensive surveillance survey will encompass 766 districts across the nation, with the collection of over 10,000 samples being a key part of this endeavour. The Quality Council of India, an autonomous body operating under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and the National Dairy Development Board have been enlisted to conduct this survey on behalf of FSSAI, as confirmed by the official.

As per FSSAI, the selection of milk for this study is rooted in its pivotal role in Indian food culture, whether as a fresh fluid or as an integral component of processed dairy products. The plan is to compile and present a report on the findings of this survey to the health ministry. The surveillance is expected to be completed by December and would be a helping tool in formulating corrective action strategies. Previously also FSSAI has conducted such studies to gain more information and fine tune the strategies. In 2022, FSSAI conducted a milk survey in 12 states, including 10 where the Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) was prevalent. Moreover, in 2020, the PAN India Milk Products Survey was carried out to gain a comprehensive understanding of the safety and quality of milk products available in the market, particularly during festivals.

In the 340^th Global Dairy Trade auction event, held on 19^th Sep. 2023, the overall GDT price index gained 4.6%, following a 2.7% gain at the previous fortnightly auction. The results of last two consecutive events are encouraging but prices are still 25% below the same time last year and the global dairy Industry is navigating a challenging time, amidst increase in prices. Global dairy prices have fallen sharply this season amid lacklustre demand from China, the world's biggest dairy importer. Cost of living pressure continue to impact the consumer spending, resulting in reduced buying volumes from importers, globally. Whole milk powder prices slumped 18% in August and are sitting 25% below the same time last year. It would be crucial how prices move in October and November as that would give some indication of future trends. However, Indian dairy market fares well compared to world dairy market. Production in most of the Indian states is growing and is above the last year's production level. Cattle feed prices are still at elevated level, but have cooled down from its peaks, giving some relief in cost of milk production. Govt. of India prohibiting export of de-oiled rice bran under ITC HS code 2306 and under any other HS code till November'2023, is a sigh of relief for milk producers. With this, export policy of de-oiled rice bran is amended from 'free' to 'prohibited' with immediate effect up to November 30, 2023.

International Dairy Federation (IDF)'s World Dairy Summit, 2023 will be held in the month of October in Chicago, USA. Industry leaders, dairy experts, scientists, technical specialists and farmers from world over will be participating in the event. The summit is expected to bring the latest on the most significant issues facing the global dairy sector. The theme for this year's summit is "the boundless potential and endless possibilities dairy has to offer the world". The Gala event will showcase to the world, how milk and dairy foods are nutritious, safe and sustainable. An Indian Delegation will be participating in the summit and will ensure an effective representation at the summit. Key Officials from Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DoAHD), Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), National Dairy Research Institute of India (NDRI), Dairy Cooperative Federations and Indian Dairy Association would be part of the delegation. It is apparent that as a largest producer of milk in the world, the role of India will be crucial in shaping the world dairy scenario.