Climate Change Drastically Impacts Indian Dairy Production

A comprehensive multi-decade study conducted by the ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute and published in Scientific Reports has linked climate change to a significant decline in India's dairy production. The research analyzed data from 1,148 villages in Haryana, covering a period from 2004 to 2019, and examined the impact of extreme heat and humidity on livestock.

The study found that high temperatures exceeding 38°C and relative humidity above 70% during July and August severely disrupt livestock homeostasis. Buffaloes, which have fewer sweat glands compared to cattle, are particularly vulnerable to these conditions. A unit increase in potential evapotranspiration during dry months can reduce milk yield by around 1.4 liters per buffalo per day.

The Temperature-Humidity Index (THI), when crossing critical thresholds, triggers stress responses in animals, affecting their milk production capabilities. Symptoms include heavy panting, excessive sweating, and reduced activity. These stressors are compounded by rising temperatures affecting fodder availability and quality.

Economically, the study estimates that climate-induced declines in dairy production result in an annual loss of 3.2 million tonnes of milk in India, equating to ₹2,661 crore in monetary deficits. The future projection indicates a potential yield decrease to 15 million tonnes by the 2050s, posing a threat to the livelihoods of 80 million smallholder dairy farmers.

Efforts to mitigate these impacts include adopting resilience-oriented livestock management and thermo-tolerant breeding. Farmers in regions like Haryana are implementing microclimate alterations, such as misting fans and shade systems, to protect their herds.

Experts emphasize the importance of scaling local solutions and establishing early warning systems to address these challenges effectively. A coordinated national climate-smart dairy strategy is crucial for supporting under-resourced rural producers.