Bridging Milk Divide for a Nutritionally Secure India

Why In news?

India's milk consumption varies greatly by income and region, impacting nutrition security and affordability.

What are Key highlights of the article?

Milk Consumption Disparities - Household Milk Consumption
Higher income groups consume 3–4 times more milk per capita than lower income groups.
The poorest 30% of households consume only 18% of India's milk.
Urban areas consume 30% more milk than rural areas.
Rajasthan, Punjab, and Haryana consume over 300g per day, while Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and West Bengal consume less than 171g per day.
Challenges in Milk Access - Affordability is a key issue; 70% of Indian households would spend 10–30% of monthly food costs to meet the 300g/day intake.
Affluent urban households overconsume, leading to obesity and health issues.
Social groups like Scheduled Tribes have the lowest milk consumption.
Milk Macronutrients and Micronutrients- High-quality proteins like casein and whey for muscle development and repair.
Calcium essential for bone health and osteoporosis prevention.
Vitamins A, D, B12 for immune function and energy metabolism.
Essential fatty acids for brain development.
Natural sugar, lactose.

What are Impact of Malnutrition and Undernutrition Due to Milk Deficits?

Nutrient Deficits Impact on Children- Impaired growth due to lack of essential nutrients.
Weakened immunity - Due to increased infection susceptibility.
Cognitive impairment - Affecting brain development and learning abilities.
Maternal Health and Economic Impact of Malnutrition - Risks maternal health complications & Decreases productivity and increases healthcare costs.

What is the Link between Overconsumption of High-Fat Dairy and Obesity?

Caloric Surplus - Excessive intake of high-fat dairy products can contribute to weight gain.
Saturated Fats - High consumption may increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Lifestyle Factors - Sedentary habits combined with high dairy consumption exacerbate obesity risks.

India’s Dairy Sector – Key Statistics

India ranks 1st in global milk production, contributing 24% of total global milk.
Milk production: 230.58 million tonnes (2022-23).
Per capita milk availability - 459 grams/day, higher than the global average of 323 grams/day.
Dairy sector contributes 5% to India’s economy and supports over 8 crore farmers, mostly women.

White Revolution & Dairy Industry in India

Verghese Kurien - Known as the 'Father of the White Revolution' in India, he was instrumental in transforming India's dairy industry.
Operation Flood - Launched in 1970, it was the world's largest dairy development program aimed at creating a nationwide milk grid.
Objectives - Increase milk production, augment rural incomes, and provide fair prices for consumers.
Impact - Elevated India from a milk-deficient nation to the world's largest milk producer.
Cooperative Movement - Empowered millions of rural dairy farmers through cooperative societies.
National Milk Day - Celebrated on November 26
Marks the birth anniversary of Dr. Verghese Kurien, the “Father of White Revolution.”
Organized by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying.
National Dairy Development Board - It is a statutory body. It was declared an institution of national importance by the National Dairy Development Board Act, 1987.
Primary Objective - To promote, finance, and support producer-owned and controlled organizations in the dairy sector.
It operates under the administrative control of the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairy.

What are the Challenges in the Indian Dairy Industry?

Fragmented Supply Chains - Inefficient milk collection, processing, and distribution.
Low Productivity - Poor nutrition, breeding, and veterinary care reduce milk yield.
Fodder Shortage - Climate change and urbanization limit cattle feed availability.
Limited Credit Access - Small farmers struggle to get loans for better infrastructure
Milk Quality Issues - Adulteration and lack of proper testing facilities.

What are the Scope?

Improve Animal Productivity -Better breeding, nutrition, and veterinary care
Sex Sorted Semen technology to increase adoption from 35% to 70% for better cattle breeding
Free vaccinations for Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and Brucellosis, with a target to eliminate them by 2030.
Address Fodder Shortage - Promote high-yield fodder crops and sustainable feeding.
Increase Credit Access- Provide easy loans through microfinance and government schemes.
Ensure Quality Control - Set up more milk testing labs and enforce safety standards.
Strengthen Cooperatives -Organize farmers for better pricing and supply chain management. Gujarat cooperative model

Policy Measures

PM POSHAN (Mid-Day Meal Scheme) - Provides nutritious meals to school children, including milk.
Central sponsor schemes under National Food Security Act,2013.
Integrated Child Development Services - Improves maternal and child health through nutrition support.
Provides milk and dairy products to pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children under 6.
Rashtriya Gokul Mission - Improves indigenous cattle breeds for better milk production.
Supports farmers with high-yield breeds and better dairy infrastructure.
National Dairy Development Programme - Strengthens dairy cooperatives and improves milk distribution.

What Lies ahead?

Strengthen veterinary services, promote vaccination programs, enhance disease surveillance, and early detection systems for livestock, formulate supportive policies, and provide incentives for animal husbandry and dairying investments.
Enhance ICDS and Anganwadi services by monitoring nutrition, providing counseling, and offering balanced food.

Reference The Hindu