India’s Dairy Productivity Challenge demands a Climate-Smart response

             - By Capt. (Dr.) A.Y. Rajendra, CEO – Animal Nutrition Business, Godrej Agrovet Limited

 India’s dairy sector must urgently strengthen its resilience to climate change as predicted El Niño conditions threaten a deficient monsoon, prolonged heatwaves and rising heat stress on cattle. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has projected monsoon rainfall at around 90% of the long-period average, with a 60% probability of a deficient season. This raises concerns for milk production, as delayed or weak monsoons offer little relief from extreme summer temperatures.

While India is the world’s largest milk producer, its productivity remains low. Average milk yield is only 4.87 kg per cow per day, compared to the global average of 7.18 kg. Heat stress further widens this gap. Studies show drought conditions can reduce milk yields by over 25%, while global evidence from El Niño-affected dairy systems indicates production losses of 25–30%. In India’s predominantly smallholder dairy sector, such climate shocks also influence farmer behaviour, leading to reduced investment, delayed herd expansion and greater focus on maintaining only productive animals. Climate stress affects dairy farming at multiple levels. Heat reduces milk yield, weakens immunity and impairs reproductive performance, while shortages of fodder and water further affect productivity. As climate change makes extreme weather more frequent, adapting dairy farming is no longer optional.

The first step towards resilience is better nutrition. Heat stress significantly reduces feed intake. Lactating cows begin consuming less feed at temperatures of 25–26°C, with intake dropping sharply above 30°C and by as much as 40% at 40°C. Water availability is equally critical, with every litre of milk requiring around 4–5 litres of water. When animals consume less feed and water, milk production, health and reproductive efficiency all suffer.

Scientifically formulated compound feeds help bridge this nutritional gap. Their nutrient-dense composition enables cattle to receive essential nutrients despite lower feed intake while generating less metabolic heat during digestion. Balanced nutrition also improves feed efficiency, compensates for poor-quality fodder, supports reproductive performance and strengthens immunity, enabling animals to better withstand climate stress.

Nutrition, however, must be supported by good farm management. Providing shade, well-ventilated housing and uninterrupted access to clean drinking water helps reduce heat stress. Good hygiene, timely vaccination, regular veterinary care and clean milking practices are equally important for preventing diseases that directly affect milk production. Investments in chilling infrastructure and hygienic milk storage also improve milk quality and reduce wastage.

Knowledge transfer will play a critical role in accelerating adoption. Digital advisory platforms, demonstration farms and farmer training programmes can help disseminate best practices, while emerging technologies enable farmers to monitor animal health and productivity more effectively. Continued investments in breeding programmes will also help develop more heat-tolerant and productive cattle.

Building climate resilience requires collective action. Industry can support farmers through awareness programmes, demonstrations and scientific feeding solutions, while government initiatives such as the Rashtriya Gokul Mission and Pashu Aushadhi are already strengthening breed improvement and veterinary care. Continued policy support, easier access to credit and incentives for adopting climate-resilient practices will further accelerate progress. 

As climate uncertainty becomes the new normal, improving dairy productivity is about far more than increasing milk yields. It is about protecting farmer livelihoods, strengthening food security and building a dairy sector that can withstand future climate shocks. Building resilience today will ensure India’s dairy sector remains productive, sustainable and prepared for the challenges ahead.