Organic Milk in India | Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science Optional for UPSC PDF Download

Organic Milk Production in India

Understanding Organic Products

• Definition of Organic: In India, a growing number of individuals are seeking high-quality products and are willing to pay a premium for quality assurance. Organic products are produced according to stringent standards to cater to the needs of quality-conscious consumers. 

Challenges in Organic Production:

• Lack of Awareness: Producers and extension personnel often lack knowledge about the strict standards of organic production, necessitating efforts to educate and train them.
• Complexity of Organic Production: Organic production involves not only the final product but also the entire production process, including cultivation, processing, and marketing, all crucial in determining a product's organic status.

Global Perspectives on Organic Product

• Differences in Perspectives: Conditions in developed countries like Europe, USA, Australia, etc., differ significantly from those in developing nations like India. Developed countries emphasize factors like taste, animal welfare, and environmental concerns, with consumers willing to pay more for such products.
• Constraints in Developing Countries: Developing countries face challenges such as low agricultural productivity, high population density, poverty, and illiteracy, making it difficult to meet the same standards as developed nations.

Export Potential of Organic Products:

• Rising Demand in Developed Countries: The demand for organic products is increasing in developed nations, creating opportunities for exports from developing countries like India.
• Current Export Scenario: India is already exporting various organic products such as tea, coffee, spices, cotton yarn, pulses, and rice, indicating the potential for further growth in the organic export market. By understanding the nuances of organic production, addressing challenges in implementation, and capitalizing on the export potential, countries like India can tap into the growing market for organic products worldwide.

Overview of Organic Product Export Development

Current Scenario: 

• The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) under the Ministry of Commerce and Exports, Govt. of India is witnessing a surge in export orders for organic products from various countries. 
• Indian suppliers and producers need to enhance their efforts to increase organic production to meet international organic production standards. 
• Foreign exchange is crucial for improving the quality of life in India, as foreign buyers are more inclined towards purchasing unconventional items like organic foods.

Government Initiatives: 

• The Government of India (GOI) has taken positive steps by establishing national standards for organic production. 
• The launch of the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) in March 2000 marks a significant milestone in boosting organic production in the country.

Collaborative Efforts: 

• APEDA, ICAR, State Agricultural Universities (SAUs), state departments of agriculture, and NGOs are collaborating to promote organic production. 
• Despite criticisms of the government's perceived lack of focus on organic production and marketing, organic activists are optimistic about improvements with increasing awareness among producers.

Enhancing Organic Production:

• There is a need to intensify academic, research, training, and infrastructural efforts towards organic production. 
• Examples of efforts include developing national standards for organic production and collaborative initiatives among various entities to promote organic farming.
• By focusing on these aspects and working collectively towards organic production, India can further capitalize on the growing global demand for organic products, ultimately benefiting both the economy and the well-being of its citizens.

The Dairy Sector

Organic Production StandardsRecord Keeping:

• Farmers must maintain written records detailing production and processing activities.
• Information on inputs, sources of inputs, medications, feed sources, and animal welfare measures must be documented.
• Locally produced inputs or those sourced from organic farms should be used. 

Breeds:

• Preference for pure livestock breeds and encouragement of local breeds over crossbreeding.
• Selective upgrading of native breeds for improved productivity instead of massive cross-breeding programs. 

Labour:

• Prohibition of child labor in dairy product production, processing, and marketing.
• Encouragement of alternative medicinal systems like Ayurveda and Homeopathy over allopathic medicines. 

Health and Nutrition:

• Limited use of allopathic medicines and antibiotics; promotion of indigenous medicinal systems.
• Provision of clean drinking water and sufficient green fodder for animals. 

Grazing and Movement:

• Essential requirement of grazing and free movement for animals under organic herd management.
• Confinement of animals for extended periods is not allowed. 

Challenges and Opportunities:

• Transitioning to organic dairy production poses challenges in India due to existing production practices.
• Lack of national inspection and certification bodies for organic dairy products.
• Need for awareness, training, and incentives to meet export and domestic demands for organic products.

Future Outlook:

• Increasing quality consciousness and willingness to pay for high-quality products.
• Growing importance of organic products in both developed and developing nations.

This comprehensive overview highlights the standards and requirements for organic dairy production, emphasizing the need for adherence to specific practices to meet international standards and market demands.

Overview of Organic Dairy Production in India and Developing Countries

Opportunities in Organic Dairy Production in India 

Strengths of Organic Dairy Production in India: 

• Rich livestock diversity
•  Indigenous non-chemical alternatives to production 
• High disease resistance in local cattle 
• Tolerance to various stresses 

Initiatives in India towards Organic Dairy Production: 

• Institute for Integrated Rural Development (IIRI) in Aurangabad 
• Gaushalas/Ashrams practicing organic methods

Comparison between Indian and European Contexts: 

• Indian livestock with more indigenous inheritance 
• Low requirements for allopathic medicines in Indian cattle 
• Indian farmers more accustomed to organic practices

Benefits of Organic Milk Production: 

• Respectful to the environment and health 
• Economically viable and sustainable 
• Lower cost compared to conventional farming 
• Reduced pollution and health hazards

Challenges and Opportunities in Developing Countries: 

• Pressure on land and resources due to population growth 
• Need for maximizing agricultural production 
• Importance of organic farming for ethical and commercial reasons

Encouraging Organic Dairy Production: 

• Example of Denmark offering premiums and subsidies 
• Potential for higher net profits due to reduced costsIn summary, organic dairy production presents significant opportunities for India and other developing countries due to its environmental sustainability, health benefits, and economic viability. Initiatives like those seen in India, coupled with support from governments and policymakers, can help transition towards organic practices, ensuring a more sustainable future for the dairy industry.