Roadmap for Answer Writing

1. Introduction

• • Start with an overview of India’s milk production. Mention that India is the world’s largest producer of milk, contributing 24.64% of global milk production (2021-22).
  • Highlight the need for White Revolution 2.0, an initiative that builds on the success of the original White Revolution to address the challenges facing milk production in India.

2. Key Challenges in Milk Production in India

• • Feed and Fodder Shortages
    Discuss the shortage of green fodder in India. India faces a 35.6% deficit in green fodder, which severely affects the nutrition of dairy cattle.
    Explain that urbanization, changes in land use, and the declining productivity of pastureland exacerbate this issue.
  • Low Productivity of Dairy Animals
    Point out that the milk yield of Indian cows is only two-thirds of the global average.
    Discuss factors contributing to this low productivity, such as limited access to affordable, high-quality feed, poor traditional feeding practices, and inadequate veterinary care.
  • Poor Animal Healthcare
    India suffers from a shortage of veterinary professionals. Over 55,000 veterinarians are needed in the country (National Sample Survey Organization).
    Highlight the impact of diseases such as Lumpy Skin Disease, which affected 3.2 million cattle and buffaloes in 2022-2023.
  • Technological Barriers
    Discuss how the dairy sector’s unorganised nature hampers technological adoption. Mention that 3% of India’s milk (approximately 5 million tonnes) is wasted due to lack of refrigeration and electricity.

3. Measures to Achieve White Revolution 2.0

• • Breeding Technologies
    Emphasize the importance of using modern breeding technologies to improve milk yields. Techniques like sex-sorted semen can ensure the birth of female calves, which increases the overall productivity of dairy farms.
  • Improving Animal Nutrition
    Suggest promoting the cultivation of high-yielding, protein-rich green fodder grasses to reduce dependence on costly cattle feed. This will make feeding more affordable and sustainable.
  • Enhancing Veterinary Services
    Propose increasing the number of veterinary professionals and mobile clinics to provide better healthcare to livestock. Implementing preventive healthcare programs will help minimize the impact of zoonotic diseases.
  • Adopting Modern Technology
    Recommend the use of automated milking machines, milk testing equipment, and data analytics for better herd management and milk quality. This will lead to improved productivity and efficiency.
  • Improved Access to Credit
    Suggest creating customized financial products that cater to the needs of dairy farmers, such as providing funds for purchasing high-quality livestock and investing in infrastructure.

4. Conclusion

• • Reaffirm the importance of addressing these challenges through systematic reforms and technological advancements.
  • Summarize how these measures will lead to White Revolution 2.0, making India’s dairy sector more productive, efficient, and sustainable.

Relevant Facts for the Answer

1. India’s Global Milk Production: India is the world’s largest producer of milk, contributing 24.64% of global milk production in 2021-22.
2. Green Fodder Deficit: India faces a 35.6% deficit in green fodder, which significantly limits the nutrition of dairy cattle.
3. Low Milk Yield: The milk yield of Indian cows is only two-thirds of the global average.
4. Animal Health Issues: 3.2 million cattle and buffaloes contracted Lumpy Skin Disease in 2022-2023, showcasing the need for improved animal healthcare.
5. Veterinary Shortage: India faces a shortage of over 55,000 veterinarians, impacting the quality of animal healthcare.
6. Milk Wastage: 3% of milk (about 5 million tonnes) is wasted annually due to a lack of refrigeration and electricity.
7. Breeding Technologies: Sex-sorted semen has a 90% probability of producing female calves, which can significantly boost dairy productivity.