India’s push for circular dairy economy: Expanding biogas initiatives
A vision for circularity in dairy
Speaking at a workshop focused on sustainability and innovation in the dairy industry, Shah underscored the need to harness the full economic potential of the sector beyond traditional milk production. He highlighted dairy as a critical supplementary income source for farmers, positioning it as an essential component in India's ambition to achieve a USD 5 trillion economy and realize the vision of a "Viksit Bharat."
As part of this broader agenda, dairy cooperative unions from 15 states signed agreements with NDDB to set up biogas plants based on three proven models: the Zakariyapura Model, the Banaskantha Model, and the Varanasi Model. These models facilitate the development of household-level manure value chains and large-scale biogas plants capable of producing bio-compressed natural gas (CBG), thereby meeting the power and steam demands of dairy operations.
Expanding the reach of biogas initiatives
Shah urged NDDB to source cow dung from farmers outside the cooperative framework to enhance the viability of these biogas projects and attract more farmers into the cooperative network. This, he argued, would not only strengthen the circular economy but also address rural farming migration by improving financial returns for dairy farmers. Additionally, he proposed extending the circular economy approach to include full utilization of resources such as bones and leather, integrating sustainable practices within multi-purpose cooperative units.
Strengthening local dairy machinery production
Another key target set by Shah is the domestic production of dairy machinery, reducing reliance on imports and fostering self-sufficiency within the sector. This move aligns with India's broader "Make in India" strategy and aims to enhance the competitiveness of the dairy industry through localized manufacturing.
High-level participation and policy backing
The workshop was attended by Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying Rajiv Ranjan Singh, alongside Ministers of State S.P. Singh Baghel and George Kurian. Alka Upadhyaya, Secretary of the Dairy and Animal Husbandry Department, and other senior officials also participated, engaging in discussions on implementing sustainable solutions within the sector.
As part of the workshop, multiple memorandums of understanding (MOUs) were signed to facilitate the construction of biogas plants across various states. These agreements aim to create financial and policy frameworks that incentivize sustainable dairy farming while promoting the reuse, regeneration, and recycling of resources.
A roadmap for sustainable dairy farming
Technical discussions during the event delved into models for sustainable manure management, converting waste into valuable resources such as biogas, CBG, and organic fertilizers. Experts from NDDB, the dairy industry, and international organizations explored strategies for expanding circular dairy practices and securing financial support for these initiatives.
By integrating circularity into its dairy sector, India aims to align economic progress with environmental responsibility, ensuring long-term sustainability and resilience for its farmers. With the expansion of biogas projects and cooperative engagement, the country is poised to set a global benchmark in sustainable dairy management.
