India is among the largest producers of milk in the world, and in its vast space, there lies Haryana, which has earned the title of “Milk Pail of India”. So why is Haryana the titleholder for most processed dairy production? Thanks to its long tradition of agriculture, abundant livestock population, and government-backed dairy programmes. Haryana’s dominance in milk production is not a recent phenomenon; it is a result of Haryana’s year-long commitment to cattle rearing, dairy research, and the adoption of modern farming techniques. The state has a long tradition of dairy farming with its native breeds of cattle and dairy cooperatives.
Dairy farming attracts attention to production and acts as an economic hub for the state. Millions of farmers receive a sustainable livelihood from the dairy sector, an integral part of rural development. Over the years, certain policies have been implemented through technology to increase milk productivity by both the government and private entities, along with focusing on the health of the cattle and developing infrastructure related to dairy.
Haryana dairy farming history
Dairy farming has always been part of Haryana’s history. Cow farming is widespread in the region, and milk and dairy products are an important component of the local diet. The love for dairy among the state’s residents can be best understood by viewing its cultural and historical association with the Vedic age when milk was an essential source of sustenance and deemed sacred. Traditional cattle fairs, like those in Hisar and Karnal, have played an important role in preserving and propagating dairy farming practices.
Haryana’s ascent as a dairy superpower began earnestly after India’s White Revolution in the 1970s, spearheaded by Dr. Verghese Kurien. This revolution was all about self-sufficiency in dairy production, and thus, Haryana saved one of the leaders in this sector.
Haryana Dairy Industry & Infrastructure
Livestock Quantity and Quality
Haryana is known for maintaining high-quality livestock, one reason the state dominates the dairy market. Some of the best dairy cattle breeds that grace the land of this state are:
- Murrah Buffaloes: This breed is native to Haryana and is known for its high milk yield. It is exported to various parts of India and even abroad.
- Hariana Cow: Much harder and with moderate milk production.
- Sahiwal Cow: A local breed of dairy cattle famous for producing milk with high-fat content.
Milk Production Statistics
Haryana is among the top three states in India for milk production. It plays a key role in total milk production in the country by contributing over 10 million metric tonnes of milk per year. Haryana’s per capita milk availability is more than 1000 grams daily, significantly higher than the national average.
Dairy Cooperatives and Government Programs
Haryana has also established an extensive network of dairy cooperatives to strengthen the dairy industry further. HDDCF operates the Vita milk and dairy products brand in Haryana and neighbouring states.
The Haryana government has also introduced several schemes to promote dairy farming:
- Pashudhan Credit Card Scheme: Providing financial assistance to farmers to buy high-yield cattle.
- Rashtriya Gokul Mission: Focuses on genetic improvement of indigenous cattle breeds.
- Dairy Entrepreneurship Development Scheme: Promotes small-scale dairy farming among resource-poor farmers through training, access to credit, and high-cost and low-cost intervention technologies.
Haryana’s Economy and the Role of Dairy
Dairy farming is the backbone of Haryana’s economy. Millions of people are dependent on this sector, particularly in villages with small and marginal farmers who have dairy as a major or additional source of income. Farmers can sell their milk at fair prices, which creates economic stability for the local farmers.
The state’s dairy industry is also important to the export economy. The state exports its dairy products, including ghee, butter, and cheese, to multiple countries, which adds to its economy.
Innovations in Dairy: Technology and Research
The state has made many investments in dairy research and technology to improve productivity. Milk and animal products. The National Dairy Research Institute, or NDRI, in Karnal, is among India’s top dairy research institutes, researching livestock breeding, milk processing, and new dairy products.
Technological advances such as artificial insemination, embryo transfer, and automated milking systems have further improved and advanced the dairy industry since the 1970s. Internet of Things (IoT)- based systems to monitor the health and productivity of cattle in real-time are also being adopted in many dairy farms in Haryana.
Challenges in Haryana’s Dairy Sector
Haryana’s Dairy sector bears several challenges despite being a leading milk producer:
- Variable Dairy Prices: The variable market prices of milk create uncertainty for farmers, reducing their profitability.
- Diseases in Animals: Diseases (e.g., mastitis, foot-and-mouth disease) also raise issues with milk production.
- Absence of cold storage: There are very few proper refrigeration facilities in rural areas, which results in spoiled milk.
- Environmental matters: Intensive cattle farming causes greenhouse gas emissions and water pollution.
The Future of Dairy Farming in Haryana
Haryana’s dairy industry has the potential to grow even more with continued investments in research, technology, and government initiatives. State promotion aims at sustainable dairy farming, emphasising organic dairy farming, waste management, and biogas generation from cattle filth.
Additionally, the proliferation of digital platforms and e-commerce opens new channels for dairy farmers to market their products directly to consumers, reducing dependence on intermediaries. Haryana will remain the “Milk Pail of India” with its unwavering dedication to innovation and sustenance.
Conclusion
Haryana is the inalienable “Milk Pail of India”, and its unparalleled contribution to India’s dairy business has established it as such. The state, blessed with a heritage of rearing many cows, high milk production and rich dairy infrastructure, has been setting standards in the dairy sector. Despite challenges, Haryana’s commitment to dairy farming will ensure a leading position for years.
With a focus on developing dairy infrastructure and modernising and expanding processing while creating fair trade practices for farmers, Pipeline will continue to cement its standing in the state. The state of Haryana is already paving the way for a future that not only strengthens its economy but also strengthens its position as the leader in the dairy world through innovations in dairy technology and sustainability measures. Haryana is all set to take on the challenges and opportunities in the wake of growing demand for dairy products, thus ensuring its rightful place in the leadership of the dairy revolution across India.
