India's recent decision to ban antibiotics in animal feed marks a pivotal step in combating the growing global threat of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). This progressive move underscores the nation's commitment to safeguarding public health and ensuring the long-term sustainability of its agricultural and livestock sectors.

AMR, often referred to as the "silent pandemic," occurs when microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi develop resistance to antibiotics, rendering treatments ineffective. The overuse and misuse of antibiotics, particularly in animal feed as growth promoters or disease preventatives, have significantly contributed to the rapid spread of AMR. This poses a dual challenge: compromising human healthcare by reducing the efficacy of antibiotics and impacting livestock productivity and safety.

The dairy industry, as a critical contributor to India's economy and nutrition security, stands to gain from this decisive action. By eliminating antibiotics from feed, we pave the way for more sustainable and responsible dairy farming practices. However, this transition requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders, including policymakers, dairy farmers, veterinarians, and the larger food industry.

Alternative measures such as improving animal husbandry practices, enhancing biosecurity on farms, promoting the use of probiotics, and adopting vaccination programs must now take centre stage. Additionally, educating farmers on the judicious use of antibiotics for therapeutic purposes and implementing stringent monitoring systems will be essential to achieve the desired outcomes.

At the Indian Dairy Association (IDA), we fully support this initiative and are committed to working with the government and industry stakeholders to ensure its successful implementation. This aligns with our vision of promoting safe, sustainable, and high-quality dairy products while protecting the health of consumers and the environment.

As we embrace these reforms, let us also use this opportunity to build global trust in Indian dairy products. By championing antibiotic-free milk and dairy production, India can strengthen its position in international markets, meeting the rising demand for safe and sustainable dairy products worldwide.

Together, we can turn this policy into a transformative step for Indian dairy sector and public health.

The release of the Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics (BAHS) 2024 by the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying provides a comprehensive overview of India's livestock sector for the year 2023-24. As the President of the Indian Dairy Association, I find it imperative to delve into these findings, celebrating our achievements while addressing areas that require our concerted attention. Our total milk production has reached 239.30 million tonnes, reflecting a 3.78% increase over the previous year and a 5.62% growth over the past decade, reaffirming its position as the world's largest milk producer. States like Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh have been instrumental in this achievement, with Uttar Pradesh contributing 16.21%, Rajasthan 14.51%, Madhya Pradesh 8.91%, Gujarat 7.65%, and Maharashtra 6.71%, together accounting for 53.99% of the total milk production. The per capita availability of milk has risen from 459 grams per day in 2022-23 to 471 grams per day, reflecting improved nutritional access. The average daily milk yield per animal is 8.12 kg for exotic/ crossbred cattle and 4.01 kg for indigenous/non-descript cattle. Milk production from exotic/crossbred cattle increased by 8%, and production from indigenous/nondescript cattle grew by an impressive 44.76%, while buffalo milk production saw a decline of 16% compared to the previous year.

According to the 20th Livestock Census, India has a diverse livestock population, with approximately 303.76 million bovines, including cattle, buffalo, mithun, and yak. The contribution of livestock sector to agriculture and allied Gross Value Added (GVA) has risen from 24.32% in 2014-15 to 30.38% in 2022-23, while its share of the total GVA stands at 4.66%, highlighting its critical role in the national economy. These findings underline India's achievements in the dairy and livestock sectors while identifying areas requiring focused efforts to sustain growth and address emerging challenges.

Challenges and Areas of Concern:

• Growth Rate Deceleration: While the growth in milk production is commendable, the rate has shown signs of deceleration. A 3.78% increase, though positive, indicates a need to invigorate our strategies to sustain and enhance growth.
• Regional Disparities: Significant contributions from states like Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan are noteworthy; however, there exists a disparity with other regions lagging behind. Addressing these imbalances is crucial for uniform national development.
• Productivity Concerns: Despite being the largest producer, India's per-animal productivity remains below the global average. Enhancing productivity through genetic improvements and better farm management practices is essential.

Strategic Recommendations:

• Enhancing Farmer Focus: It is imperative to prioritize the welfare and development of our dairy farmers alongside consumer needs. Empowering farmers with better resources, training, and support systems will lead to a more robust dairy sector.
• Addressing Adulteration Issues: Tackling the critical issue of ghee adulteration is essential, as it adversely affects both consumers and farmers. Implementing stringent quality control measures and raising awareness can mitigate this problem.
• Sustainable Practices: Adopting environmentally sustainable practices in dairy farming will ensure long-term viability and address concerns related to climate change.
• Technological Integration: Leveraging technology for better farm management, supply chain efficiency, and quality control can propel the industry forward.
• Policy Support: Advocating for favourable policies that provide financial support, infrastructure development, and market access for dairy farmers is essential for sustained growth.
• Reducing Consumer-Producer Price Gap: Addressing the increasing disparity between the price paid by consumers for milk and the share passed on to milk producers. This growing gap is a matter of concern as it undermines India's competitive strength in supply chain efficiency compared to the global dairy industry. Strategies to ensure equitable pricing mechanisms and reduce inefficiencies in the supply chain must be prioritized to enhance value distribution and maintain global competitiveness.

On 26th November, IDA Head Office along with its various zones and chapters celebrated National Milk Day 2024. The day holds special significance as it commemorates the birth anniversary of Dr. Verghese Kurien, the visionary who transformed India into the world's largest milk producer and revolutionized the dairy industry. The event celebrated the immense contribution of the dairy sector to India's economy, health, and livelihoods.