Indian Dairy Must Prioritize Quality Amid Vegan Rise
The Deccan Herald article critiques the Indian dairy sector's defensive approach against the rise of veganism, urging the industry to instead prioritize systemic improvements. Key concerns include rampant use of antibiotics, unethical cattle management practices, and food adulteration—issues that not only hurt public health but also diminish India's position in global dairy trade. With increasing global scrutiny around sustainability and animal welfare, India's dairy sector must shift towards traceable, ethical, and high-quality production systems. The commentary also highlights that while India boasts high milk production volumes, it trails developed markets in product standardization, supply chain modernization, and regulatory compliance. Rather than viewing veganism as a threat, the dairy sector must view it as a catalyst for introspection and reforms to align with evolving global standards on health, sustainability, and ethics.
The article mentions that the Somatic Cell Count (SCC) in milk — a critical quality and hygiene indicator — is far higher in India compared to international standards. While the US and EU mandate an SCC limit of under 400,000 cells/ml for milk to qualify for sale, Indian milk often records SCC levels exceeding one million cells/ml, indicating poor udder health and hygiene practices. This affects both milk quality and export competitiveness.
Industry Insight:
By proactively improving quality, animal welfare, and transparency, Indian dairy can secure long-term growth, strengthen exports, and defend its traditional markets against rising plant-based competition.
Source : Dairynews7x7 April 28th 2025 Deccan Herald