Key Facts and Data Points

  • National Digital Livestock Mission (NDLM) – created the unified ecosystem Bharat Pashudhan issuing a 12‑digit “Pashu Aadhaar” for every animal; 35.68 crore tags generated.
  • Automatic Milk Collection System (AMCS) – digitises quantity, quality and fat content; serves 26,000+ dairy cooperatives, benefitting 17.3 lakh milk producers across 12 states/UTs.
  • NDDB Dairy ERP (NDERP) – end‑to‑end enterprise resource planning covering finance, inventory, sales, manufacturing, HR and payroll; mobile version mINDERP.
  • Information Network for Animal Productivity & Health (INAPH) – real‑time data on breeding, nutrition and health at farmer’s doorstep.
  • Semen Station Management System (SSMS) – manages bull lifecycle, semen production, quality control across 38 semen stations.
  • Internet‑based Dairy Information System (i‑DIS) – centralised data hub for milk unions, tracking procurement, sales, manufacturing, distribution.
  • Milk Route Optimisation (GIS) – web‑based tool reducing transport distance, fuel cost and time.
  • Milk Production (2024‑25) – 247.87 million tonnes (3.58% YoY increase); India supplies ≈25% of global milk output.
  • Top Producing States – UP (15.66%), Rajasthan (14.82%), MP (9.12%), Gujarat (7.78%), Maharashtra (6.71%) – together 54.09% of national output.
  • Per‑capita Milk Availability – rose from 319 g/day (2014‑15) to 485 g/day (2024‑25).
  • Livestock Methane Emissions – account for ≈32% of India’s anthropogenic methane.

Background and Context

  • White Revolution (Operation Flood) launched in 1970 by NDDB under Dr. Verghese Kurien, transforming India from a milk‑deficient nation to the world’s largest producer by 1998.
  • White Revolution 2.0 (launched 19 Sept 2024) seeks a ~50% increase in daily milk procurement (660 lakh kg → 1,007 lakh kg) by 2028‑29, expanding cooperative reach and leveraging genetics, IVF and embryo transfer.
  • Challenges: climate‑induced yield loss (10‑30% in northern states), disease outbreaks (Lumpy Skin Disease, mastitis), soaring feed costs (+246% over 30 years), low average yields (8.55 kg/day exotic, 3.44 kg/day indigenous), dominance of unorganised sector (>70% of marketable milk), genetic erosion, and high methane footprint.

Significance for India / Governance / Policy

  • Economic Impact – dairy contributes ≈40% of the total output value of agriculture, livestock, forestry & fishing (2022‑23).
  • Rural Livelihoods – over 17 million small & marginal farmers (many women) depend on dairy for income; digital payments and traceability improve farmer welfare.
  • Food Security & Nutrition – rising per‑capita milk availability enhances protein intake, combating malnutrition.
  • Climate Action – digital monitoring (IoT collars, AI udder scanners) and feed additives can reduce methane, aligning with India’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
  • Export Potential – adherence to Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) standards via i‑DIS and quality‑testing tools can open premium markets.

Related Constitutional / Legal Provisions

  • NDDB Act, 1965 – statutory basis for the National Dairy Development Board.
  • Cooperative Societies Act, 1912 (and subsequent amendments) – legal framework for dairy cooperatives like Amul.
  • Ministry of Cooperation (2020) – oversees cooperative sector reforms, under which White Revolution 2.0 was launched.
  • Animal Husbandry (Amendment) Act, 2021 – provisions for animal health, breeding and welfare, supporting digital health tracking.

Digital & Precision Technologies – Way Forward

  • Genetic Interventions – sex‑sorted semen, embryo transfer, IVF to boost elite genetics.
  • Feed Innovations – legume‑based forages, methane‑reducing additives, Total Mixed Ration (TMR) plants.
  • IoT & AI – collars for health monitoring, AI‑based udder scanners for early mastitis detection.
  • Infrastructure – solar‑powered chilling units, enhanced cold‑chain, SPS‑compliant testing.
  • Full Implementation of Bharat Pashudhan – ensure every animal’s health, breeding and milk quality are tracked, enabling data‑driven policy.

Drishti Mains Question: Examine the role of digital technologies in improving efficiency and transparency in India’s dairy sector.

FAQs

  1. What is Bharat Pashudhan? – Unified digital livestock ecosystem issuing 12‑digit Pashu Aadhaar IDs for health, breeding and productivity tracking.
  2. Top milk‑producing states? – UP, Rajasthan, MP, Gujarat, Maharashtra (collectively 54.09% of output).
  3. Dairy sector’s share in methane emissions? – Roughly 32% of India’s anthropogenic methane.