Inside the Indian dairy business building a 15,000-cow farm

Indian dairy production is undergoing a significant transformation with the advent of mega-farms. Unlike the traditional model where most milk comes from smallholdings with 2-3 cows or buffalos, a new trend is emerging with large-scale operations. Parag Milk Foods is at the forefront of this change, opening a 15,000-cow mega-farm.

The initiative is marked by the introduction of European genetics and Western expertise to boost productivity. However, integrating these advancements poses unique challenges, as the sector adapts to vast scales of operation. Despite these hurdles, the primary objective remains to deliver the majority of milk directly to consumers.

Parag's journey began in 2005 with its first dairy farm, Bhagyalakshmi, situated near Pune, India. This 35-acre farm originally hosted a 3,500-cow herd and a 50-point rotary milking parlor, representing a significant step towards modernizing India's dairy sector.