An insightful study prescribes an eco-friendly roadmap for lifting small dairy farms across the country in a win-win for all stakeholders
In the vast expanse of India's dairy landscape, where small farms play a pivotal role, an important study is uncovering the pathways to enhance sustainability and resilience. With a dairy sector dominated by 73 million small farms—averaging just two dairy cows each—India stands as one of the world's largest milk producers. These small-scale operations not only feed millions but also serve as crucial sources of employment, income, and nutrition.
The global dairy industry is trying to reduce emissions and contribute to sustainability goals. A new study published in the Journal of Dairy Science examines India's small dairy farms. Dr. Anjumoni Mech, the lead researcher from the National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology in Karnataka, India, explains how these farms can reduce their carbon footprints while benefiting economically and nutritionally.
Dr. Mech emphasises the significance of understanding the impact of these small dairy farms, stating, "Despite having, on average, only two dairy cows, they contribute a staggering 72 percent to India's milk production. Recognising their distinct environmental impact and finding ways to mitigate it is vital as we collectively pursue sustainability goals."
While global studies have delved into the carbon footprint of dairy, very few have zoomed in on India's smaller farms, and none has explored the Karnataka region—the powerhouse behind the nation's milk production system.
"We aimed to comprehend the complete life cycle of milk production, identifying emission hotspots and the collective carbon footprint, to outline steps for enhanced sustainability. It's a challenge due to the incredible diversity in India's smaller farms—varying dairy cow breeds, management methods, and landscapes," explains Dr. Mech.
The research team conducted a comprehensive life cycle analysis of 47 small farms in Karnataka, gathering data directly from local dairy farmers on farm size, animal management, body measurements, and milk production. The questionnaire also covered feeding practises, animal performance, manure disposal, feed and fodder production, and other farm management aspects.
Dr. Mech reveals, "Our analysis indicates that the carbon footprint of milk production in these small farms is comparable to operations in Kenya, Ethiopia, South Africa, and other Indian regions. Although these farms still produce roughly double the carbon footprint of large dairy operations in developed countries, specific opportunities for sustainability improvements emerged."
The study pinpoints enteric methane from cow digestion and greenhouse gases from feed production as major emissions hotspots. Dr. Mech proposes, "To effectively reduce the carbon footprint in smallholder dairy farms, interventions should focus on maintaining high-yielding animals and adopting appropriate feeding strategies for enhanced feed utilisation. Future breeding strategies should target milk production traits and feed utilisation efficiency as critical phenotypes for the next generation of dairy cows."
The research team highlights the importance of conducting larger-scale studies and scenario analyses. However, this study is a significant first step towards ensuring a more sustainable and resilient future for India's small dairy farms. The findings of this study pave the way for addressing the complex intersection of dairy production, environmental impact, and the pursuit of a greener tomorrow.