The Impressive TimesNew Delhi– New Delhi witnessed a landmark event in the dairy industry as Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah, inaugurated the Workshop on Sustainability in the Dairy Sector and Circularity at Bharat Mandapam on March 3, 2025. The event, organized by the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying (DAHD) under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, brought together policymakers, industry leaders, and experts to discuss sustainable growth in dairy farming.
A key highlight of the event was the signing of multiple Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at promoting sustainable dairy practices and circular economy initiatives. The National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) entered into an MoU with NABARD to drive sustainable growth in the sector by leveraging financial and technical expertise. Additionally, agreements were signed between NDDB and 26 Milk Unions across 15 states to establish biogas plants, a significant step towards renewable energy generation and waste management in dairy farming.
The event also saw the release of comprehensive guidelines for making the dairy sector more sustainable, along with the launch of NDDB’s Sustain Plus Project and financing initiatives to support small-scale and large-scale biogas and compressed biogas (CBG) plants. These measures will help dairy farmers reduce their carbon footprint, efficiently manage manure, and generate renewable energy, thereby ensuring financial and environmental sustainability.
Speaking at the workshop, Shri Amit Shah emphasized that as India progresses towards White Revolution 2.0, sustainability and circular economy must be at the forefront. He highlighted that while the first White Revolution made India self-sufficient in milk production, the next phase must focus on making dairy farming more eco-friendly and financially rewarding for small farmers. He also pointed out that promoting dairy-based income generation could curb rural-to-urban migration by providing stable livelihood opportunities.
Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh highlighted the immense potential of cow dung-based biofuels in increasing farmers’ income. He noted that India, with over 53 crore livestock—including 30 crore cows and buffaloes—has a vast resource of organic material that can be utilized for biofertilizers and renewable energy production. He credited the government’s efforts for transforming the dairy industry from an unorganized to an organized sector, ensuring better returns for farmers.
Smt. Alka Upadhyaya, Secretary of DAHD, underlined the role of circular economy principles in making India a global leader in dairy production. She announced a Rs 1,000 crore financing scheme under NDDB to provide credit support for biogas and CBG projects, ensuring long-term sustainability and scalability of manure management models.
The workshop featured expert discussions on financial mechanisms, carbon credit opportunities, and policy frameworks essential for scaling up green practices in dairy farming. Representatives from leading organizations, including MNRE, NABARD, ONGC, NDDB, Amul, Maruti Suzuki, and EKI Energy Services, shared insights on carbon trading, successful circular economy models, and public-private partnerships for sustainable dairy development.
The workshop also showcased successful circular economy models, such as:
These initiatives demonstrate how dung, alongside milk, can be a valuable commodity, creating additional revenue streams for dairy farmers. The discussions concluded with a call for a structured roadmap to build a financially sustainable and environmentally responsible dairy sector in India.
The event marked a major step forward in India’s journey towards a greener and more efficient dairy industry, reinforcing the government’s commitment to sustainable rural development and environmental conservation.
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