CEEW Survey Reveals 38% of Indian Cattle Rearers Do Not Sell Milk

The Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) has conducted a survey revealing that 38% of cattle rearers in India do not sell milk. Instead, these cattle rearers focus on the benefits of manure, draught power, and milk for household consumption. This insight is prompting discussions on the necessity of expanding India's dairy policies to encompass these practices.

The survey underscores a significant segment of the rural economy where milk sales are not the primary focus. Instead, the emphasis is on utilizing cattle for agricultural support and household sustainability. This perspective aligns with traditional practices where cattle are valued beyond milk production.

The CEEW study calls for a broader dairy policy that acknowledges these diverse uses of cattle. By doing so, it suggests that policies could better support rural communities and enhance the multifunctional role of cattle in Indian agriculture.