Heatwaves Threaten India’s Dairy Supply Chain

India’s dairy supply chain is facing mounting pressure as temperatures across several regions cross 45°C, raising serious concerns around milk safety, spoilage and cold-chain efficiency. Experts warn that extreme heatwaves are no longer just a climate issue — they are rapidly becoming a major food safety and public health challenge for the dairy industry. (https://www.boldsky.com/)

According to Dhruv Tomar, Founder of PaperPro (M-Lense Research), India’s vast and highly fragmented dairy ecosystem remains vulnerable during severe heat conditions. While organised dairy players operate with advanced refrigeration and cold-chain systems, a significant share of milk still moves through semi-organised and informal networks where maintaining stable temperatures becomes difficult. Even short delays in chilling raw milk after collection can accelerate bacterial growth, reduce shelf life and increase the risk of food-borne illnesses.

The challenge intensifies during peak summer as long transportation routes, traffic congestion and frequent power cuts disrupt refrigeration infrastructure and storage facilities. Small vendors and local retailers are among the most affected because many lack temperature-monitoring systems or reliable cooling equipment. Experts caution that milk and dairy products displayed without strict temperature control in local markets face a significantly higher risk of spoilage during heatwaves.

Heat stress is also impacting milk production at the farm level. High temperatures reduce cattle feed intake, hydration levels and overall productivity, directly lowering milk yields and quality. Reports indicate that heat stress can reduce milk output by up to 25.8% under severe seasonal conditions, while climate-linked fodder shortages are adding further pressure on dairy farmers and processors. (India Today)

Industry experts believe India’s dairy sector now requires stronger investments in cold-chain infrastructure, real-time temperature tracking, rapid quality testing and climate-resilient dairy practices. Consumers are also being advised to purchase milk from trusted sources, check storage conditions carefully and refrigerate dairy products immediately after purchase to minimise risks during extreme weather conditions.

Source: Dairynews7x7 11 May, 2026 Read full story here

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