By Jordbrukare India
In a country where child malnutrition remains a critical issue, dairy products have emerged as a cornerstone of nutrition for millions of Indian children. According to the latest National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), 35.5% of children under five are stunted, 19.3% are wasted, and 32.1% are underweight. Experts warn that this crisis demands urgent intervention, with dairy playing a vital role in providing essential nutrients to support growth and development.
The Role of Dairy in Child Growth
India, the world’s largest producer of milk, has a unique opportunity to leverage its dairy resources to combat malnutrition. Studies indicate that children who consume milk regularly have lower rates of stunting and undernutrition. Milk is rich in protein, calcium, vitamin B12, and other micronutrients essential for bone health, brain development, and immunity.
Nutritionists emphasize that just 200–300 ml of milk daily can provide 25–33% of a child’s protein requirement. Additionally, dairy-based products such as curd and ghee are part of traditional Indian diets, reinforcing their role as accessible and culturally accepted nutrition sources.
Dairy and Neonatal Nutrition: A Critical Factor
For newborns, breastfeeding remains the best source of nutrition. However, with 21.5% of babies in India now born via C-section, many newborns face delayed breastfeeding initiation. In such cases, dairy-based infant formulas act as a vital backup to ensure neonates receive adequate nutrients, especially for preterm and low-birth-weight babies.
Neonatologists also highlight the importance of human milk fortifiers derived from dairy for preterm infants, helping them achieve necessary weight gain and immune support. This makes dairy an irreplaceable component of neonatal care.
Government Initiatives Integrating Dairy
Recognizing the significance of dairy, government programs such as the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) and Mid-Day Meal Scheme (MDM) are incorporating milk into child nutrition efforts.
- ICDS serves around 70 million children under six years old, with some states introducing milk or milk powder into Anganwadi meals.
- The Mid-Day Meal Scheme, reaching over 120 million schoolchildren, has also introduced milk in several states to enhance dietary quality.
- Poshan Abhiyaan, India’s flagship nutrition initiative, aims to cut childhood stunting by 2% annually, with dairy identified as a key nutritional component.
Challenges and the Future of Dairy in India’s Nutrition Strategy
Despite its benefits, dairy faces challenges in terms of affordability and accessibility, particularly in rural areas. Meanwhile, plant-based milk alternatives are gaining traction but remain costly and lack the full nutritional profile of dairy. Experts caution that removing dairy from children’s diets could exacerbate existing nutritional deficiencies.
The focus now is on expanding access to fortified dairy products, enhancing supply chains for rural areas, and integrating dairy into nutrition policies more effectively. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has already mandated vitamin A and D fortification for packaged milk, ensuring broader health benefits for children across socio-economic backgrounds.
Conclusion
With childhood malnutrition still a major concern, dairy remains an irreplaceable nutritional pillar for Indian children. Experts, policymakers, and nutritionists advocate for sustained dairy inclusion in government programs and public health strategies to ensure every child gets a strong, healthy start in life.
As India continues its fight against malnutrition, dairy’s role is clear: it is not just a food but a lifeline for millions of growing children.
Source: Dairy’s Vital Role in Childhood Nutrition: An Indian Perspective – Jordbrukare
