Kerala Conclave Calls for Strategic Policy Support for Dairy Sector
A key agricultural and livestock conclave in Kerala — attended by policymakers, industry leaders and dairy experts — has urged substantial policy reforms and targeted support measures to strengthen the state’s dairy sector, address rising input costs and boost long-term productivity and farmer incomes. Experts at the event highlighted how supply challenges, high feed costs and structural constraints must be met with coordinated public-sector action and innovation.
Mr. Sudhir Kumar Singh, President, Indian Dairy Association, delivered the inaugural address, whose insightful speech highlighted the evolving landscape of the dairy and food sector, the importance of innovation, sustainability, and collaborative growth, and the vital role of stakeholders in strengthening India’s dairy ecosystem.
Mr Sudhir Kumar Singh in his address said that on behalf of the Indian Dairy Association (IDA), it was a great privilege to welcome distinguished guests, dignitaries, industry leaders, academicians, researchers, entrepreneurs, farmers, and delegates during the inaugural of the Southern Dairy and Food Conclave 2026 (SDFC-2026), organised by the IDA (South Zone)Kerala Chapter being held from 8th to 10th January 2026 in the historic city of Kozhikode (Calicut), Kerala.
SDFC-2026 serves as a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and envisioning the future of the dairy and food industry.
Speakers at the conclave stressed that while Kerala has undertaken significant strides in dairy cooperative expansion, veterinary outreach and infrastructure development, persistent cost pressures — notably for cattle feed and veterinary medicines — and gaps in quality feed availability are limiting dairy growth and profitability for smallholder producers. The need for central assistance and more robust state policies to expand fodder production, reduce feed inflation and modernise value chains was repeatedly emphasised.
Government and sector representatives also pointed to Kerala’s ongoing efforts in veterinary healthcare expansion, mobile veterinary services and livestock insurance schemes, as evidence of a proactive foundation on which to build further reforms. Policy recommendations included strengthening milk procurement systems, enhancing feed subsidies, promoting scientific breeding programmes and integrating digital tools for quality control and market access.
The conclave’s calls align with broader discussions in the region that dairy remains a critical rural livelihood engine — providing daily income, nutritional security and employment across villages — but that sustainable growth requires sound policy frameworks, investment in feed and genetics, and scalable technology adoption. Stakeholders also highlighted the importance of coordinated state-centre support to address issues such as rising input costs, infrastructure bottlenecks and market linkages that can bolster dairy competitiveness.
Source : Dairynews7x7 Jan 10th 2026
