Is India’s Dairy Sector Truly Transforming Digitally for Enhanced Productivity and Farmer Welfare?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Digital transformation in India's dairy sector is enhancing productivity.
- Initiatives like AMCS and i-DIS are improving operations.
- NDLM is crucial for a unified digital livestock ecosystem.
- Over 356.8 million animals are now traceable with Pashu Aadhaar.
- These efforts aim to position India as a leader in sustainable dairy production.
New Delhi, Jan 9 (NationPress) India’s dairy industry is witnessing a significant digital transformation aimed at enhancing productivity and promoting transparency while supporting farmer welfare, as stated by the government on Friday.
As the largest global producer of milk, India contributes to 25% of worldwide output.
This transformation encompasses the creation of digital platforms that facilitate connections between farmers, cooperatives, and various stakeholders throughout the dairy value chain, led by the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB).
According to official statements, “These systems not only enhance operational productivity but also ensure that millions of small and marginal dairy farmers are directly linked to a modern, tech-driven ecosystem.”
Among the integrated digital tools is the Automatic Milk Collection System (AMCS), which has benefited over 1.73 million milk producers across 54 milk unions, ensuring transparent payments and efficient operations.
The Internet-based Dairy Information System (i-DIS) is utilized by approximately 198 milk unions and 15 federations to promote data-driven decision-making and performance benchmarking.
Utilizing GIS technology for milk route optimization has enabled cooperatives in various states to significantly reduce transportation costs and enhance delivery efficiency.
The statement added, “These initiatives are designed to modernize operations, cut down inefficiencies, and boost traceability, ultimately reinforcing the world’s largest dairy ecosystem.”
Additionally, the National Digital Livestock Mission (NDLM), executed by NDDB in collaboration with the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), marks a crucial move towards establishing a unified digital livestock ecosystem known as “Bharat Pashudhan.”
NDLM employs digital tools such as unique animal identification, data integration, and mobile applications to empower farmers and enhance productivity. The goal is to ensure that every animal in India possesses a digital identity linked to health records and productivity data. NDDB offers both technical and financial support to implement this mission across various states.
Over 356.8 million animals have received “Pashu Aadhaar” under NDLM, facilitating traceable livestock management.
“By merging cooperative strength with digital innovation, India is establishing new benchmarks in sustainable dairy development, where every litre of milk and each animal is part of a connected, traceable, and efficient value chain,” the statement concluded.
“These ongoing efforts embody NDDB’s vision of fostering a digitally empowered dairy sector that benefits both producers and consumers, propelling India closer to its ambition of becoming a global leader in safe, sustainable, and technology-driven milk production,” it added.