The Journey to Sustainable Milk: A Workshop Overview
Introduction
In today’s rapidly evolving world, sustainability has become a cornerstone of global efforts. For dairy farmers, this translates into not just reducing environmental impact but also enhancing the quality and sustainability of their products. As we continue to move towards a White Revolution 2.0, where efficiency and resilience are prioritized, the need for circular and sustainable practices in dairy farming is crucial.
Workshop Overview
A significant workshop was organized by Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah to explore and promote sustainable dairy farming. The event took place on March 3rd, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. Key participants included senior officials from various government departments and organizations such as DAHD, MNRE, Fertilizers, IOCL, NDDB, Maruti Suzuki, GCMMF (Amul), Banaskantha Milk Union, AMUL, GIZ, and EKI Energy Services.
The workshop emphasized the importance of both policy frameworks and financial mechanisms to scale up circular economy initiatives in the dairy sector. Notable points discussed included:
- Signings between NDDB and NABARD: A MOU was signed to promote sustainable practices through biogas projects.
- Comprehensive Guidelines: The release of comprehensive sustainability guidelines aimed at scaling up circular manure management models, including successful models like Zakariyapura, Banas, and Varanasi.
- Role of Canderling Copper (COTL): ndDB’s Coterie of Traders, with a Canderling Copper of Rs 1 lakh crores, was highlighted as a key funding source for these initiatives.
Shri Amit Shah stressed that transitioning from small farmers to an organized sector is crucial. Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh contributed his insights on leveraging cow dung as a valuable commodity alongside milk for sustainable practices.
Circular Economy Models in Dairy
The workshop discussed various models, such as the Zakariyapura Model and Banas Model, which use cow dung for manure management. These models are designed to enhance sustainability by integrating cow dung with milk products. The goal is to create a more circular ecosystem where manure serves multiple purposes.
Canderling Copper from NDDB
ndDB’s Coterie of Traders received significant funding, with a Canderling Copper of Rs 1 lakh crores. This funding was instrumental in scaling up biogas and biogas/compacted biogas projects, aiming to achieve a financially viable and environmentally responsible dairy sector.
Conclusion and Action Calls
The workshop concluded with a call for action based on the insights shared.ndDB emphasized the need to promote circularity and sustainable practices in dairy farming as the next step towards broader goals of reducing environmental impact and enhancing product quality.
In conclusion, the workshop highlighted the importance of policy frameworks, financial mechanisms, and circular economy models in advancing sustainable and circular dairy farming. The call for action underscores the necessity of leveraging these initiatives to create a more resilient and eco-friendly industry.