Kolhapur, Maharashtra – May 9, 2025
In a significant move underscoring the convergence of science, sustainability, and stakeholder collaboration in India’s dairy sector, the Compound Livestock Feed Manufacturers Association (CLFMA) of India, in partnership with Gokul Milk, convened a high-impact seminar titled “Sustainable Dairy Farming and Innovations” in Kolhapur.
Held at Regal Hall, Residency Club, Tarabai Park, the event brought together a cross-section of the country’s dairy and livestock thought leaders, veterinary experts, nutrition specialists, and agribusiness stakeholders. Their focus: redefining dairy farming through a future-ready lens of animal welfare, feed innovation, and economically sustainable practices.
CLFMA Chairman Mr. Divya Kumar Gulati opened the proceedings with a strong affirmation of CLFMA’s vision. “Sustainability in dairy isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a stress reliever for farmers and a public health enhancer. From Total Mixed Ration (TMR) and precision nutrition to smarter veterinary practices, we aim to empower India’s dairy professionals with scalable, science-led tools,” he stated.
Gokul Milk’s leadership, including Directors Mr. Navid Mushrif, Mr. Ajit Narake, Mr. Yogesh Godbole, and others, provided critical regional support, underscoring Kolhapur’s evolving role as a hub for dairy innovation and farmer-centric sustainability practices.
Technical Insights and Thought Leadership
The seminar wasn’t just ceremonial—it featured detailed technical sessions designed to bridge knowledge gaps and drive actionable outcomes:
- Dr. Vijay Magre of Gokul spotlighted Etho-Veterinary Practices, focusing on ethical livestock management that improves both productivity and animal health.
- Dr. Pritpal Singh (National Manager, Progressive Dairy Solution) emphasized TMR adoption and mental stress mitigation in cattle—a crucial but often neglected aspect of livestock productivity.
- Mr. Munish Sharma shared transformative insights from Punjab’s progressive dairy farms, with a focus on scalable, field-tested innovations.
- Dr. Niteen Manmohan Markande, former Dean of Veterinary College, Parbhani, made a compelling case for buffalo-led dairy development, highlighting India’s underutilized potential in buffalo milk value chains.
- Dr. Prashant Shinde (Cargill) and Dr. Chandrashekhar Pandey (Lallemand India) delved into silage solutions and next-gen feed technologies for smallholders—a vital lever for inclusive dairy growth.
A high-powered panel discussion, moderated by Mr. S. V. Bhave (Past Chairman, CLFMA), featured Dr. Pradeep Mahajan (Viziva Services), Dr. V. D. Patil (Gokul), Dr. Markande, and Dr. Prakash Jyoti Salunke (Gokul Milk Union). Together, they tackled “Future-Ready Practices in Dairy Nutrition and Feed Management,” outlining critical reforms in feed quality assurance, field training, and supply chain digitization.
Takeaways for India’s Dairy Sector
This seminar offered more than just discussions—it reinforced a growing consensus: sustainable dairy farming is not optional but essential for long-term viability in a climate-constrained and demand-driven future.
As India faces mounting pressure to produce more with less—less land, water, and emissions—multi-stakeholder events like these chart the path forward. They reaffirm the value of integrating nutrition science, farmer education, and policy-backed innovations to build a resilient and responsible dairy value chain.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Saikat Saha and memento presentations by Mr. Arun Ganpatrao Dongale, Chairman of Gokul Milk, recognizing the speakers and sponsors for their contributions.
About CLFMA of India
Founded in 1967, the Compound Livestock Feed Manufacturers Association (CLFMA) of India is the apex representative body of the country’s livestock industry. With over 250 member organizations spanning feed, dairy, poultry, aquaculture, animal nutrition, and veterinary services, CLFMA plays a key role in shaping India’s livestock policy landscape. Through advocacy, technical seminars, and capacity-building, CLFMA continues to champion science-driven, sustainable growth for India’s animal protein economy.
