Ujjain, July 5, 2025 – Celebrating the Year of Cooperatives, Ujjain’s Vikram University has inaugurated a two-day National Seminar on “Dairy Development in Madhya Pradesh: Possibilities and Challenges”, bringing together farmers, researchers, policymakers, and dairy entrepreneurs from across five states—Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, and Goa.
Organised jointly by the Indian Dairy Association (IDA) West Zone and Vikram University, the event highlights key themes, including smart dairy farming, animal husbandry, policy support, and market-led innovation.
“We aim to catalyze practical innovation and knowledge-sharing across India’s cooperative dairy network,” said VU Vice Chancellor Prof. Arpan Bhardwaj.
Seminar Themes and Panels
- Technical Session 1: Animal husbandry and state policy
- Session 2: Industry best practices and cooperative models
- Session 3: Processing, marketing, and technological innovation
- Final Panel: Debunking myths around dairy consumption
Over 2 lakh cooperative societies support India’s dairy structure, and this forum serves as a platform for aligning grassroots insights with academic and policy innovations.
MP’s High Per Capita Milk Consumption and Cooperative Ambition
IDA Western Zone President J.B. Prajapati noted that Madhya Pradesh’s per capita milk consumption (673 gm) exceeds the national average (471 gm), reflecting the state’s rich dairy culture. He emphasised that the state is working with NDDB to:
- Raise milk producer income
- Improve product quality and traceability
- Expand smart dairy infrastructure
Standing Up for Buffalo Milk
The seminar also addressed rising misinformation around dairy, particularly buffalo milk. Speakers rejected vegan claims linking dairy to obesity, diabetes, or hypertension, and emphasised its nutritional richness and cultural relevance in India.
On Day 2, three scientific experts will present evidence-based insights into the health benefits of dairy products, reaffirming their role in a balanced diet.
“We must not allow misinformed campaigns to undermine one of India’s most nutrient-dense, farmer-driven food sectors,” said Prajapati.
