The Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying (DAHD) under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying successfully hosted a workshop on Sustainability in the Dairy Sector and Circularity at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, on March 3, 2025. Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah inaugurated the event in the presence of Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Panchayati Raj, along with Union Ministers of State, Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel and George Kurian.
A major highlight of the workshop was the signing of an MoU between the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) and NABARD to drive sustainable and inclusive growth in the dairy sector. Additionally, NDDB signed MoUs with 26 Milk Unions from 15 states to facilitate the establishment of biogas plants across the country.
The event also marked the release of comprehensive guidelines focused on sustainability in the dairy sector, alongside the launch of financing initiatives under NDDB’s biogas projects and the NDDB Sustain Plus Project. These efforts aim to promote circular economy practices, enhance manure management, generate renewable energy, and reduce the environmental impact of dairy farming.
Union Minister Amit Shah highlighted the significance of sustainability and circularity as India moves toward White Revolution 2.0. He pointed out that while the first White Revolution significantly boosted milk production, further efforts are needed to achieve sustainability in the sector. Shah noted that India's agricultural system largely depends on small farmers, and dairy farming presents a viable avenue for ensuring their economic prosperity while addressing the issue of rural migration.
Rajiv Ranjan Singh underscored the potential of cow dung as a resource for organic fertilizer and biofuels, which can significantly enhance farmers’ incomes. With a livestock population exceeding 53 crore, including around 30 crore cows and buffaloes, India has an abundant supply of cow dung that can be harnessed for sustainable energy solutions.
Minister Singh also highlighted how government initiatives have successfully transitioned the dairy sector from an unorganized to an organized structure. He stressed the importance of a circular economy, renewable energy adoption, and public-private partnerships in fostering green growth and enhancing farmer welfare.
Alka Upadhyaya, Secretary of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), emphasized the importance of sustainability in the dairy sector, highlighting that India is often referred to as the "Dairy of the World." She mentioned that the dairy sector accounts for 30 percent of India’s agricultural Gross Value Added (GVA). To promote sustainable dairy farming, the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) has launched a financing scheme worth Rs 1,000 crore, aimed at providing credit support for biogas and compressed biogas projects over the next decade.
Discussions at the workshop centered on policy frameworks, financial mechanisms, and innovative models that can drive circularity in dairying. Experts from various government departments, NABARD, ONGC, and industry leaders such as Amul and Maruti Suzuki shared insights on carbon credit opportunities, manure management, and sustainable practices. Successful circular economy models like the Zakariyapura Model, Banas Model, and Varanasi Model were highlighted as examples of how cow dung can be monetized alongside milk production.
The event concluded with a strong call to action for creating a structured roadmap to ensure a financially viable and environmentally sustainable dairy sector, aligning with India’s vision of achieving long-term growth through circular economy principles.
The workshop witnessed participation from key stakeholders in the dairy sector, senior officials from various ministries, and representatives from organizations such as NDDB, IOCL, and milk cooperatives.
