From Production Surges to Safety Seminars: Key Moments in the Dairy Sector’s Journey in 2023

As the dairy industry approaches the end of another fruitful year, it's a fitting moment to reflect on the journey and accomplishments that have shaped dairy sector over the past twelve months. The yearly closing in the dairy industry is not just a time to wrap up financial records; it's a comprehensive evaluation of challenges faced, milestones achieved, and the strategic roadmap for the future.

Global Scenario
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) predicts a 1.3% increase in global milk production, reaching 950 million tonnes in 2023, propelled by heightened production in Asia, particularly in India and China. This surge is attributed to improved yields and a continuous rise in dairy cattle numbers, compensating for increased slaughter in Europe and Northern America due to operational margin pressures. South America, led by Brazil, anticipates a modest production expansion, while Oceania expects a moderate increase amid rising input costs. African milk output is projected to decline due to limited feed availability, poor pasture conditions, and livestock disruptions from conflicts.

Global dairy trade in 2023 is estimated at 84 million tonnes, a 1.0% decrease, driven by reduced Asian imports, particularly China, owing to increased domestic production and higher stocks. Other major importers like the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia may experience contractions due to sluggish food services sales and currency depreciations. Conversely, higher purchases are expected from Brazil, Mexico, Algeria, and Saudi Arabia, driven by competitive international prices, inadequate local supplies, and increased food services sales. Potential global import downturns could impact exports from the USA, Australia, and Argentina. Dairy product prices dipped from January to September 2023 due to subdued import demand and ample stocks, but a rebound occurred in October 2023, reflecting increased demand and concerns over potential supply disruptions from Western Europe due to the El Niño event affecting Oceania supplies.

According to a recent report published by FAO,"Pathways towards Lower Emissions", in 2015, livestock agrifood systems generated approximately 6.2 billion tonnes of CO₂ equivalent emissions per year, constituting 12% of all anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions and 40% of total agrifood system emissions. The data, derived from the Global Livestock Environmental Assessment Model (GLEAM), predicts that without interventions, global livestock emissions could reach 9.1 billion tonnes by 2050. Cattle, including meat and milk, contribute the most at 62%, followed by pigs (14%), chickens (9%), buffaloes (8%), and small ruminants (7%). Notably, meat production accounts for two-thirds of livestock emissions, while milk contributes 30%, and eggs the remainder.

Indian Scenario
The Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics 2023, unveiled during a National Milk Day event in Guwahati, by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India, offers a comprehensive overview of the livestock sector in the country. The report, derived from the Animal Integrated Sample Survey conducted between March 2022 and February 2023, provides insights into the significant strides made in the livestock industry during the fiscal year 2022-23.

Milk production in India reached a remarkable 230.58 million tonnes, showcasing a substantial 3.83% increase compared to the preceding year. This surge resulted in a per capita availability of 459 grams of milk per day, marking a notable rise from the 446 grams reported in the previous year. Over the past few years, the annual growth rates have been consistently robust, although declining, with rates of 6.47% in 2018-19, 5.69% in 2019-20, 5.81% in 2020-21, and 5.77% in 2021-22.

Uttar Pradesh emerged as the nation's leading milk producer state, contributing 15.72% to the total production, closely followed by Rajasthan, which accounted for 14.44%. Karnataka, with an impressive annual growth rate of 8.76%, topped the list in terms of growth, followed by West Bengal at 8.65% and Uttar Pradesh at 6.99%.

The report also sheds light on the average yield per animal per day, revealing figures of 8.55 Kg/day/ Animal for exotic/crossbred cattle and 3.44 Kg/day/ Animal for indigenous/non-descript cattle. Comparing these figures to the previous year, there was a 3.75% increase in milk production from exotic/crossbred cattle and a 2.63% increase from indigenous/non-descript cattle. Buffaloes also contributed to the overall growth, with a 3.69% increase in milk production compared to the previous year. The contribution of milk production by Buffalo, cow and Goat remained at 45%, 52% and 3% respectively. Among cows, 32% contribution is by crossbred and Exotic cow and Indigenous and nondescript cattle contributed 20% of the total production. Goat milk shares a contribution of 3.30% in the total milk production across the country.

These statistics underscore the vibrancy and positive trajectory of India's livestock sector, reflecting both increased production and enhanced per capita availability of milk. The annual growth rates affirm the sector's sustained and robust performance, further solidifying its pivotal role in the nation's agricultural landscape.

As the year draws to a close, the Indian dairy industry grapples with challenges in ensuring the production of tastier, healthier, and safer dairy products, especially as it aims to explore opportunities in the expansive global market. With a robust production of 60 Crore LPD of milk, the industry's primary concern lies in the safety and quality of dairy products. To address this critical issue, the Indian Dairy Association organized a Seminar on "Safer Dairy Products - Challenges for Industry and Administrators" on December 15, 2023, at Hotel Eros, New Delhi.

This insightful seminar, featuring two panel discussions, focused on the nutritional benefits of milk and milk products as well as the safety of dairy products in the consumer basket. By bringing together industry experts, administrators, and stakeholders, the seminar aimed to tackle crucial safety issues, fostering discussions, sharing insights, and proposing strategies to ensure the highest safety standards in the production and distribution of dairy products.

Delving into the critical aspects of product safety, the seminar shed light on challenges faced by both the industry and administrators. Through its depth of insights and engaging discussions, the event significantly broadened perspectives on this critical subject. Serving as a crucial platform for industry stakeholders, the seminar facilitated collaboration, shared expertise, and strategized for the future, contributing to ongoing efforts to enhance safety standards in the dairy industry.

Meanwhile, the IDA Gujarat State chapter organized a seminar on December 16, 2023 at Amul Dairy, Anand with the theme "Unlocking Bovine Potential: Sex Sorted Semen and Embryo Transfer." Aligned with the pressing need to address milk productivity challenges in Indian animals, the seminar emerged as a pivotal initiative in advancing the field. Chaired by eminent personalities, the event drew over 300 delegates, predominantly veterinarians, from diverse sectors, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange.

Beyond serving as a platform for knowledge dissemination, the seminar played a pivotal role in facilitating collaboration between industry experts and practitioners, contributing to the collective endeavour to unlock the potential of bovine resources through advanced techniques like Sex Sorted Semen and Embryo Transfer.