B.
Scope of Dairy Technology :-
# Dairy Technology is not just limited to milk production. It covers a wide range of aspects including how
milk is processed, the role of organized systems, and the potential of dairy in the market. It's a field that
applies scientific and engineering principles to ensure the safe, high-quality, and efficient journey of milk
from the farm to the consumer.
1. Present Status Related to Milk Production :-
This section focuses on the current state and trends of milk production, primarily within India,
highlighting the volume and factors contributing to its growth.
Key Highlights:
1) India's Dominance: India stands as the world's largest milk producer, consistently contributing over
230 million tonnes/year. Specifically, milk production in India reached approximately 230.58 million
tonnes in 2022-23 and is estimated to have further increased to around 239.2 million tonnes in 2023-24.
2) High Per Capita Availability: The per capita availability of milk in India is robust, hovering around 471
grams/person/day (significantly higher than the global average of ~322 grams/person/day).
3) Factors Driving Growth: India's impressive milk production increase is attributed to several key factors
:-
a) Better breeding techniques and veterinary care: Enhancements in animal genetics and health
management.
b) Improved cattle feed, housing, and disease management: Better nutrition and living conditions for
dairy animals.
c) Awareness and support from government schemes: Initiatives promoting dairy development.
4) Top Milk-Producing States: The leading states contributing to this high production include Uttar
Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Punjab, and Maharashtra.
5) Primary Milk Sources: Most milk produced in India comes from cows and buffaloes.
2. International Scenario and National Scenario :-
This section provides a clear comparison between the global dairy landscape and India's unique position
within it, highlighting differences in production methods, trade, and market characteristics.
A. International Scenario:
1) Leading Producers (after India): Beyond India, major milk-producing countries include the United
States, China, Pakistan, Brazil, and Germany (representing a significant portion of the EU's output).
2) Technological Advancements: Most developed countries heavily utilize:
a) Mechanized and automated dairy farms: Large-scale operations with advanced technology for
milking and farm management.
b) Strict hygiene standards, refrigeration systems, and cold chains: Ensuring milk quality and safety
from farm to processing.
c) High levels of milk export: Countries like New Zealand are prominent exporters of dairy
commodities such as milk powder and butter globally, demonstrating a surplus production model.
3)Focus on Value-Added Products: There's a strong international emphasis on producing and exporting a
wide array of value-added products like various types of cheese, yogurt, and milk powders.
B. National Scenario:
1) Diverse Dairy Sector: India’s dairy sector is exceptionally diverse, characterized by:
a) A large rural population dependent on dairy for livelihood, often involving small and marginal
farmers.
b) A significant presence of both traditional (unorganized) and modern (organized) sectors in milk
collection and distribution.
2)Key Government Initiatives: India's dairy growth has been significantly boosted by important
government programs:
a) Operation Flood: The landmark "Dairy Revolution" that transformed India's dairy sector.
b) Rashtriya Gokul Mission: Focused on indigenous bovine breeds and productivity enhancement.
c) National Dairy Plan (NDP): Aimed at increasing milk production and strengthening infrastructure.
3) Strong Cooperative Network: India boasts a robust network of dairy cooperatives, such as Amul,
Mother Dairy, and Gokul, Chitale, Goverdhan, etc which play a crucial role in organizing milk collection
from millions of farmers and processing it.
3. Production of Milk by Organized and Unorganized Sector :-
Milk production and distribution in India are distinctly divided into two main sectors, each with its own
characteristics and challenges.
A) Organized Sector:
1) Structure: This sector includes licensed and regulated dairies, cooperative societies, and private
companies.
2) Examples: Prominent players include Amul, Mother Dairy, Hatsun Agro, Nestlé, and Verka.
3) Key Features :-
a) Standardized processing: Milk undergoes pasteurization and other standardized treatments.
b) Proper packaging: Milk is packed in hygienic, sealed containers, ensuring safety and extending
shelf life.
c) Quality control and cold storage: Strict checks are implemented throughout the chain,
supported by cold storage facilities to maintain milk quality.
d) Regulatory Compliance: These dairies strictly follow guidelines set by the Food Safety and
Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
B) Unorganized Sector:
1) Structure: This sector primarily consists of local milkmen, small farmers, and independent vendors.
2) Direct Sales: They typically sell raw milk directly to consumers without any formal processing like
pasteurization or quality testing.
3) Major Issues: This sector faces significant challenges, including:
a) Lack of hygiene, cold storage, and sanitation: Leading to potential spoilage and contamination.
b) Risk of adulteration: A major concern, as raw milk can be more easily adulterated.
c) Microbial contamination: Higher chances of harmful bacteria due to lack of processing and poor
handling.
4)Market Share Note: A significant portion, around 70–75% of milk in India, is still handled by the
unorganized sector, highlighting the vast scope for formalization and improvement.
4. Market Potential of Milk and Milk Products :-
This section explores the immense growth opportunities and contributing factors for the dairy market in
India, including both domestic consumption and export possibilities.
Key Potential Areas:
1) Rapid Market Growth: The Indian dairy market is experiencing rapid expansion, with an estimated
value projected to reach ₹30–35 lakh crore by 2030.
2) Rising Demand for Value-Added Products: There's a significant increase in consumer preference for
processed and value-added dairy products such as:
a) Paneer, Ghee, and Yogurt.
b) Cheese, Flavoured milk, and Ice cream.
c) Probiotic drinks and other health-focused dairy innovations.
3)Contributing Factors to Demand:
a) Growing urbanization and middle-class population: Leading to increased purchasing power and
convenience-driven consumption.
b) Increase in nutrition awareness: Heightened understanding of the health benefits of dairy,
especially amplified post-COVID-19 pandemic.
c) E-commerce and food delivery apps: These platforms are boosting home delivery services for
milk and various dairy products, making them more accessible.
4) Export Potential: While India primarily focuses on domestic consumption, there is high export
potential for specific dairy products like milk powder, ghee, cheese, and traditional Indian sweets.
However, realizing this potential critically depends on meeting stringent international food safety
standards and certifications.
