While we are celebrating the World Milk Day on 1 June, it is time to think about how India has scripted an important turnaround of the dairy sector that the country has transformed from a milk-deficiency nation immediately after independence in the world’s largest milk producer today. After achieving this, it must now tap into New Age technology to unleash another white revolution and keep pace with the increasing demand.
India produced no less than 239 million tons of milk in 2023-24, more than the existing needs of the country.
The growth of the sector is hindered by the fragmented nature, with 60 percent of milk production from small -scale farmers who use traditional methods that produce lower results. Improving the revenues can optimize the costs of the supply chain and improve the efficiency of the backend chain.
Technology treats productivity, gaps for supply chain and food safety in the dairy sector. With the economic growth of India, consumers opt for dairy products with added value, which increases demand. Modern technology effectively supports this entire value chain.
Tackle animal care, made possible by technology
The milk yield of India per animal is low, on average 4.9 kg per day compared to the global average of 7.2 kg. Poor nutrition and health of animals are important factors in this low productivity.
However, technology-compatible practices such as precision feeding can help in taking on this challenge. Precision Feeding uses Internet of Things (IoT) sensors and analysis technology to help farmers determine the precise nutritional needs of their animals and adjust feed rations accordingly.
With monitoring systems, farmers can follow the vital signs of animals, such as body temperature and heart rate. These systems send warnings for early medical intervention, improving animal health and increasing milk yields by 20-25 percent.
Utilizing the power of automation
Farmers, especially in urban areas with high labor costs and smaller land ownership, adopt automated milk systems. These systems reduce human intervention, save costs and improve hygiene while the milk production is stimulated by 10-15 percent. Automation is also used to provide feed, reduce waste and further checking the costs.
On the front of the Supply Chain, robot -like palletisers and automated labeling systems help reduce milk waste.
Up to 30 percent of the milk is lost due to spoilage due to insufficient cooling. Automation improves packaging and ensures compliance with food standards. Cooperatives that have adopted such systems have reported a 15 percent reduction in milk waste.
Embrace digital involvement
In addition to sensors on the farm and automated salons, the Dairy value chain now comes to life in the bags of the consumer. With traceability of QR code, shoppers can scan boxes or earags and immediately access far-reach-for-Vork data right to Down to feed composition and vaccination records to build and stimulate informed purchasing decisions. With 63 percent of consumers who want to pay more for Foods for Schone Label, producers are encouraged to maintain high standards, so that farms and cooperatives can reach an increase in customers’ acquisition.
At the same time, mobile app platforms and subscription-based delivery services have changed purchasing habits: competitive prices, re-ordering with one tap and contactless door deliveries ensure that fresh milk arrives on time. These technologies streamline the activities and influence consumer behavior by encouraging brands that offer transparency, convenience and real -time quality warnings. By integrating digital involvement at every contact point, the Indian dairy industry promotes a better informed, self -assured and loyal consumer base in an always digital marketplace.
Challenges remain
Technology can tackle many problems in the dairy sector. However, challenges such as lack of capital and skills among rural farmers hinder adoption.
The high costs of acquiring technology in advance are often priceless for small farmers. Consequently, they can lag behind larger companies that have the financial resources and resources to invest in such technology, which may lead to a digital gap.
There is also a shortage of skilled work. Automatisering and IoT technology require staff to be trained to serve and interpret data. Hiring trained personnel or increasing existing can be expensive and hinder the acceptance of technology.
All stakeholders in the value chain can work together to ensure that the acceptance of technology is fair and tailored to the practical realities.
Finally, there is the Cyber Security risk that carries digital technology in one of the applications.
Promote cooperation
These challenges can only be tackled through cooperation between all stakeholders, including the government, the private sector and dairy cooperatives. Improving access to credit and financing for small farmers is crucial in promoting the approval of technology. Implementing training and skills development programs to enable farmers to fully use technological interventions is equally important.
On the front of the Supply Chain, a joint effort is required to improve the rural infrastructure, to develop logistical networks and set up a robust end-to-end cold chain.
In addition, the implementation of blockchain-based systems can streamline the purchasing of milk, introduce an unprecedented level of transparency for the payment process and determine end-to-end traceability from udder to plank, improving consumer confidence.
This World Milk Day serves as an important opportunity to re -confirm our dedication to technological innovation in dairy farming, so that India remains paramount for the coming generations in global milk production.
The author is CEO of Godrej Jersey
Published on 1 June 2025
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