I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all participants, speakers, sponsors, and organizers who contributed to the resounding success of the 51^st Dairy Industry Conference (DIC), held in Patna from March 6-7-8, 2025. Your enthusiasm and commitment made this conference a landmark event, reinforcing our collective vision for a stronger, more sustainable dairy sector.

The conference was graced by the presence of Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh, Hon'ble Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Government of India, as the Chief Guest. We were also privileged to host Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel, Hon'ble Minister of State, FAH&D, Government of India, alongside key policymakers, set the stage for insightful deliberations on the theme: "Indian Dairying - Global Growth, Local Strength."

The event highlighted exceptional contributions to the dairy industry through prestigious awards recognizing excellence and innovation in dairying. Over three days, the conference featured insightful panel discussions, technical sessions, and industry presentations on sustainable dairy practices, digitalization, quality and safety, processing innovations, marketing strategies, and financial inclusion.

The inaugural session emphasized increasing the organized sector's share in milk procurement, eradicating FMD to boost exports, and leveraging technology for genetic improvement and productivity. Policy discussions focused on fostering a conducive regulatory environment to enhance India's global dairy position.

The CEO Meet provided a platform for industry leaders to address emerging challenges and opportunities, driving strategic growth. The exhibition showcased advancements in dairy technology, processing, and quality control, fostering valuable networking. The farmer's session stressed inclusive growth, ensuring small and marginal farmers benefit from technology and policy support. The valedictory session reaffirmed IDA's commitment to a robust, competitive, and farmer-centric dairy sector.

As we move forward, the insights gained from 51^st DIC will serve as a guiding force in shaping policies, enhancing production efficiency, and expanding India's global dairy footprint. Once again, I extend my sincere appreciation to everyone who made this conference a grand success. Together, let us continue to drive innovation, sustainability, and prosperity in the dairy industry.

Sustainability and Circularity in Dairy: A National Perspective
Representing the Indian Dairy Association (IDA) at the National Workshop on Sustainability in Dairy Sector and Circularity, held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, was an honour. The Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying (DAHD), in collaboration with NDDB, organized this significant event and convened key policymakers, industry leaders, and cooperative stakeholders to explore pathways for a more sustainable dairy ecosystem.

Hon'ble Union Home and Cooperation Minister Shri Amit Shah emphasized the need for a holistic approach to circularity, urging the sector to go beyond cattle dung utilization and explore value-added processing of animal by-products, which could create additional income streams for farmers. He also highlighted the need for cooperatives to manufacture dairy machinery, reducing import dependency and strengthening the rural economy.

A major milestone of the workshop was the signing of MoUs between NDDB and 26 Milk Unions to establish biogas plants, converting dairy waste into compressed biogas (CBG) and organic fertilizers. This initiative will foster a waste-to-energy model that aligns with environmental and economic sustainability goals. Additionally, discussions covered integrating carbon credit mechanisms, financing sustainable dairy projects, and leveraging technology to improve productivity.

IDA remains committed to promoting sustainable dairy practices and supporting initiatives that drive both economic and environmental resilience. The workshop reinforced the critical role of a structured circular dairy economy in enhancing farmer welfare, cooperative development, and India's self-reliance in dairy processing.

Addressing the Rise of Analog Dairy Products
The increasing market penetration of analog dairy products, particularly in the institutional sector, poses a growing challenge to traditional dairy consumption. Notably, analog paneer has gained substantial traction in the HoReCa (Hotels, Restaurants, and Catering) segment. This shift calls for immediate action to safeguard consumer interests and uphold dairy product integrity.

We must advocate for stringent enforcement of the regulations and actively educate consumers about the differences between authentic dairy products and analog substitutes. Ensuring transparency and fair competition will be key to protecting consumer rights and sustaining the dairy sector's growth.

The Current Dairy Market Landscape: Challenges and Opportunities
While demand and supply in the dairy market remain stable, a pressing concern is the declining farmer's share in consumer prices. With procurement prices being paid to farmers in the range of Rs. 30-38 per liter and retail prices ranging from Rs. 54-56 per liter (3.0 % Fat and 8.5 % SNF), farmers' earnings have dropped from 70- 80% to 60-65% of the consumer price. This calls for urgent efforts in cost optimization and efficiency improvements to safeguard farmer's profitability.

Additionally, the milk production growth rate has declined sharply from 6% to 3.8% in recent years. Escalating input costs, particularly fodder prices, are a major contributor to this slowdown. Since raising consumer prices is not a sustainable solution, the focus must be on enhancing productivity and reducing production costs to stabilize the sector.

The recent approval of the Revised National Program for Dairy Development (NPDD) by the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marks a significant advancement in India's agricultural sector. With an enhanced budget of Rs.2,790 crore for the 15th Finance Commission cycle (2021-22 to 2025-26), this initiative aims to modernize dairy infrastructure, bolster milk procurement and processing capacities, and ensure stringent quality control measures. Notably, the program emphasizes the establishment of 10,000 new Dairy Cooperative Societies and the formation of two Milk Producer Companies, with a dedicated focus on the North Eastern Region and hilly areas. By generating an estimated 320,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities-benefiting women, who constitute 70% of the dairy workforce-this program is poised to enhance rural livelihoods and contribute to the nation's economic resilience. The IDA recognizes the strategic importance of such initiatives in strengthening India's food security and rural development, which are integral to the nation's overall stability and prosperity.

The IDA remains steadfast in advocating for policies that support farmer incomes, counter misleading narratives, and promote sustainable dairy growth. The 51^st Dairy Industry Conference served as a pivotal platform to deliberate on these crucial issues and shape the future of the sector.

Let us work together to strengthen Indian dairy industry, ensuring its resilience, sustainability, and global competitiveness.