Page 10 - Dairy Dimension - Jan

| Volume 1 | Issue 2 | Jan-Feb 2025 ARTICLE INDIAN NEWS | Volume 1 | Issue 2 | Jan-Feb 2025

We should also look to other livestock sectors, especially feed production, systems and processes are crucial.
poultry and aquaculture, where technology and Cattle feed should be viewed as a technical product,
knowledge deployment are at a higher scale than in the which involves more than simply mixing and forming Image Source: iStock
dairy sector. While it is easy to point to the fragmented pellets from a few raw materials. This is an area where
nature of the dairy upstream (i.e., farms), I consider this we can learn from the Western world, where animal and
a strength rather than a weakness, considering the human food systems share similar manufacturing setups
welfare and employment opportunities it provides in and quality controls. My exposure to IIT Delhi has
India. Personally, I am an admirer of "Dr. Kurien's Dairy changed my perspective on quality and efficiency, which
Model," which is more realistic for India's needs, but the are critical for any industry to grow and flourish. I
time has come to perfect it with modern knowledge and strongly believe that veterinary universities should
technologies. consider advancing their existing curriculum and
How can technology and innovation be leveraged to teaching, with a greater emphasis on practical aspects
improve productivity and reduce post-production that are more closely aligned with industry needs.
losses in the dairy sector? Another important aspect is the analytical services
The dairy industry must create an internal dialogue to framework in the dairy industry, with a focus on
focus on improving existing technologies and invest time improving overall quality orientation and efficiency.
and money in "innovations," as this field is still largely Although awareness has grown in the industry over the
neglected compared to other industries, where people past several years, much more needs to be done. Data
are working on AI and ML (Artificial Intelligence and management and its interpretation are critical from a
Machine Learning). In the current scenario, no industry technological standpoint, and this is an area where AI
can afford to lag behind in such initiatives. and ML can play a significant role. The use of artificial
intelligence and machine learning in agriculture is
Although some AI-driven farm software has been
introduced at dairy farms, its cost-effectiveness and steadily growing, particularly in crop management.
efficacy remain questionable. I am a strong believer in Similarly, dairy farms, feed mills, milk supply chains, and
contextual and practical technologies that are not only processing plants should explore the potential for
relevant from a practical standpoint but also affordable. adopting such technologies.
Until these technologies become affordable for the Conclusion
average dairy farmer and demonstrate a solid return on India's dairy sector exemplifies both progress and
investment, they will remain more of a showcase value persistent challenges. Addressing slowing growth rates,
than of real value. regional disparities, and systemic inefficiencies is Amul to Invest in Kolkata with World's Largest Curd Plant
Feed mill management and efficiency are closely tied to imperative to sustain its global leadership. With targeted The Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd West Bengal's Investments at the Bengal Global
the existing infrastructure, which requires a makeover. strategies and inclusive policies, the sector can emerge (GCMMF), which markets dairy products under the Business Summit
The dairy feed industry must realize that for high-quality as a resilient driver of rural development and economic
prosperity. 'Amul' brand, will invest INR 600 crore to establish an West Bengal received investment proposals worth over
integrated plant in Kolkata, West Bengal. This plant will INR 4.40 lakh crore during the two-day Bengal Global
Business Summit (BGBS) 2025, as reported by Chief
also feature the world's largest curd (dahi)
INDIAN NEWS In the heart of Punjab, at the prestigious PDFA making his offspring some of the most sought-after cows manufacturing facility, according to its Managing GCMMF handled an average of 310 lakh litres of milk per
Chitale Genus ABS Sets New National Milking Record
Minister Mamata Banerjee.
Director, Jayen Mehta.
day during the last fiscal year. The company has an
GCMMF announced the investment during the two-day
for commercial dairy farming.This achievement at PDFA
(Progressive Dairy Farmers Association) event, a
annual milk processing capacity of around 500 lakh
Bengal Global Business Summit (BGBS), which concluded
remarkable achievement took center stage. A Holstein
showcases the power of genomics and selective
cow, the daughter of the ABS Genus bull Stryker, made
cooperative, with 36 lakh farmers across 18,600 villages
“We will be setting up an integrated dairy plant in
history by producing an astounding 82 kg of milk in 24 breeding in boosting milk production, reinforcing the on February 6. litres. GCMMF is the world's largest farmer-owned dairy
role of genetic advancements in modern dairy farming.
in Gujarat. Its 18 member unions procure 300 lakh litres
hours, setting a new national record in the adult milking The event drew attention from dairy farmers across Kolkata, West Bengal. The new facility will house the of milk per day.
category.The cow, bred at Chitale Dairy, was raised India, emphasizing the impact of elite genetics, proper world's largest curd manufacturing plant, with a capacity The company ranks 8th among the top 20 dairy
under the expertise of a local farmer who had invested nutrition, and scientific herd management.The success of 10 lakh kg per day,” Mehta told the media. companies globally in terms of milk processing,
in high-quality genetics and advanced dairy of this record-breaking cow is a testament to the He further stated that the total investment in the dairy according to the International Farm Comparison
management techniques. The sire, Stryker (29HO18390 potential of strategic breeding programs and has set a plant will be INR 600 crore. The facility will have a milk Network (IFCN). In addition to the domestic market,
ABS STRYKER-ET), is known for passing on exceptional new benchmark in the Indian dairy industry, inspiring processing capacity of 15 lakh litres per day. Mehta GCMMF exports dairy products to around 50 countries.
traits such as high milk yield, strong udders, and farmers to adopt cutting-edge genetics and best emphasized the high demand for curd in Kolkata and its Recently, it entered the US market, launching four
superior health. His lineage—Boastful x Yowza x O- practices to enhance productivity. surrounding areas. variants of fresh milk to cater to the Indian diaspora and
Style—is highly regarded in the dairy breeding industry, Asian populations.

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