Resilient Dairy Alliance
Building a sustainable future for Indian dairy
The Resilient Dairy Alliance (RDA) accelerates the potential of dairy in India to build a more resilient, sustainable future. Together with the Confederation of Indian Industry – Food and Agriculture Centre of Excellence (CII–FACE), Environmental Defense Fund co-created the RDA to provide a platform for companies to both share proven solutions and tackle challenges facing sustainable dairy.
India’s dairy sector contributes nearly a quarter of global milk production. It also plays a vital role in the country’s economy, food systems and livelihoods, supporting 80 million farmers and contributing to about 5% of India’s gross domestic product.
At the same time, Indian dairy is also at the forefront of unpredictable weather caused by a warming climate. Lowering dairy emissions while strengthening livelihoods will create a more robust food system.
Dairy companies, cooperatives and producers in India are primed to lead the way to a resilient — and profitable — future across the supply chain.
India's dairy future: Aligning livelihoods, growth and climate solutions
This report charts a path for promoting climate-resilient dairy practices in India, focusing on opportunities to enhance productivity while reducing emissions.
2/3
India’s dairy is only two-thirds as productive as the global average, leaving room to grow
62%
of India’s milk production comes from farmers with 2-5 animals
The power of dairy in India
Dairy companies in India support smallholder farmers across the country — farmers who are already facing the pressures of climate change. Extreme heat and unpredictable rainfall cause flooding and drought, making it hard to count on feed availability and milk production. Companies and farmers can prepare for these challenges through the RDA, strengthening resilient dairy for robust livelihoods, nutritional security and a more stable climate.
Increasing dairy productivity
India’s dairy productivity is a third lower than the global average. Using science-backed methods to sustainably increase productivity would maximize the potential of Indian dairy, increasing yields for both farmers and companies. The RDA is an effort to increase farmer access to resources that support livelihoods as well as sustainable growth. Win-win solutions include improved feed and fodder management, breeding, manure management and access to animal health resources.
Support resilient dairy in India today
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