The 52nd Dairy Industry Conference & Exhibition marked a significant convergence of policymakers, cooperatives, processors, technology providers, and researchers at a time when India’s dairy sector is navigating rapid structural, climatic, and market-driven transitions. Organised by the Indian Dairy Association (IDA), the conference reinforced the sector’s central role in rural livelihoods, nutrition security, and agri-industrial growth.
The event served as a platform for dialogue on how India’s dairy industry can balance scale with sustainability, and productivity with inclusivity, as domestic demand rises and global scrutiny intensifies.
Policy Direction and Institutional Reform
A key theme emerging from the conference was the renewed policy emphasis on cooperative-led growth, aligned with national initiatives such as White Revolution 2.0. Speakers underscored the need to strengthen Dairy Cooperative Societies, expand procurement networks, and improve governance standards to ensure that growth translates into higher farmer incomes rather than downstream concentration. Discussions highlighted that institutional reform, rather than capacity creation alone, will determine the sector’s long-term resilience.
Technology, Efficiency, and Value Addition
The exhibition component showcased advancements in milk testing, cold-chain logistics, digital procurement systems, feed solutions, and processing automation. Industry leaders emphasised that technology adoption must remain cost-effective and scalable for India’s predominantly smallholder-driven dairy ecosystem. Value addition emerged as another focal point, with emphasis on diversified dairy products, quality assurance, and export readiness to reduce dependence on liquid milk markets.
Climate Resilience and Sustainability
Climate stress featured prominently across sessions, reflecting growing concern over heat stress, water scarcity, and feed volatility. Experts noted that productivity gains will be difficult to sustain without systematic adoption of climate-smart dairy practices. There was strong consensus on the need for emissions measurement, efficient manure management, and water-use optimisation, alongside farmer-centric adaptation strategies.
Market Access and Financial Inclusion
Participants repeatedly flagged access to affordable credit as a binding constraint for small and marginal dairy farmers. Without reliable financing for cattle, feed, and infrastructure, productivity improvements remain uneven. The conference reinforced the argument that job creation and rural income growth in dairy depend as much on financial inclusion as on processing capacity.
Conclusion
The 52nd Dairy Industry Conference & Exhibition reflected a sector at an inflexion point. As India consolidates its position as the world’s largest milk producer, the challenge lies in ensuring that growth remains inclusive, climate-resilient, and economically viable for farmers. By bringing together diverse stakeholders, the conference reaffirmed the need for coordinated action across policy, industry, and institutions to future-proof India’s dairy economy.
