In a significant stride toward innovation and sustainability, the ICAR–National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI), Karnal, introduced a range of value-added dairy products and eco-friendly packaging solutions on the occasion of World Milk Day, celebrated under the theme "Let's Celebrate the Power of Dairy."

At the event attended by students, researchers, and the media, NDRI showcased three unique innovations:

• Goat milk-based cottage cheese is noted for its digestibility and rich antioxidant and antibacterial properties.
• Joha rice-based kheer – a nutritious dessert made from an aromatic rice variety from Assam, known for its low glycaemic index and high content of flavonoids and phenolics.
• Biodegradable packaging trays made from apricot kernels – a sustainable packaging alternative derived from a material typically considered 100% waste.

These initiatives were presented in the presence of ICAR-ATARI, Jodhpur Director Dr. J.P. Mishra, ICAR-NDRI Director and Vice Chancellor Dr. Dheer Singh, Joint Director (Academics) Dr. A.K. Singh, and Joint Director (Research) Dr. Rajan Sharma.

🧀 Non-Bovine Milk and Nutrition-Led Innovation

"Non-bovine milk remains a largely untapped but high-potential segment," said Dr. Dheer Singh. "We've focused on goat and camel milk innovations, and are introducing products that are not only health-friendly but also cater to changing consumer tastes in India's value-added dairy products market."

The goat milk cheese is tailored for lactose-sensitive consumers and offers a digestive edge over conventional cow milk cheese. Similarly, the joha rice used in the kheer is regionally sourced and aligns with growing interest in functional dairy nutrition.

♻️ Sustainable Dairy Packaging from Apricot Kernels

In a push toward eco-friendly dairy practices, NDRI scientists have developed biodegradable trays from apricot kernels, typically discarded as waste. These trays are now being explored as packaging alternatives for traditional dairy sweets, such as pinni. The kernels are sourced from the Ladakh region, supporting the principles of a circular economy.

"This biodegradable packaging has potential applications across India's dairy sector, especially as demand grows for sustainable dairy farming and green supply chains," said the director.

📊 India's Dairy Dominance Continues

India's dairy economy remains a vital pillar of the agricultural ecosystem. Dr. Singh highlighted that:

• The sector involves 450 million small and marginal farmers.
• The dairy and animal husbandry sector contributes 4.5% to India's GDP, and a massive 24% to the agricultural GDP, with an estimated value of ₹10 lakh crore.
• India has been the world's largest milk producer since 1998, with an annual production of 239 million metric tonnes (MMT) as of the current year.
• Per capita milk availability in India stands at 471 grams per day, exceeding the global average of 322 grams per day.

He further emphasised the role of ICAR-NDRI in spearheading the White Revolution, contributing elite breeds, quality germplasm, research-driven inputs, and a skilled workforce to the national dairy agenda.

These innovations will be available to consumers via the NDRI milk parlour in the next two months.