Nova Dairy Accelerates Sustainable Dairy Practices

Sterling Agro Industries Ltd., operating under its Nova Dairy brand, today reaffirms its commitment to sustainable dairy farming and environmental stewardship. Through pioneering collaborations and renewable energy installations, Nova Dairy is working toward a low-carbon future, without relying on CSR, focused on systemic sustainability in Indian dairy.

In partnership with global leaders Nestlé and Unilever, Nova Dairy launched the Sustainable Dairy Programme across 7 model farms in Fatehabad and Morena, covering 175 cattle. The studies were implemented with target to improve milk yield through initiatives, including:

• Production of fodder with high yield seed management
• Open housing systems for improved animal welfare
• Artificial insemination and genetic enhancements to improve fertility and reproduction
• Observation to detect oestrus heat cycle to maximise fertility & pregnancy rates

Using measurement tools like the Cool Farm Tool, the programme registered up to a 17% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions per litre of milk, demonstrating the direct impact of improved husbandry on environmental performance

At its Malanpur manufacturing plant, Nova Dairy has commissioned a 1.5 MWh solar power facility and energy requirements are partially empowered through back pressure turbines to compensate steam & energy needs for processes like pasteurization, evaporation and drying with clean energy. Additionally, solar thermal systems installed across milk chilling centres to make available hot water for CIP operations, significantly cutting reliance on fossil fuels.

These steps reflect trends in India’s dairy industry, where solarization and biomass installations have helped reduce energy usage by nearly 40% and lower CO₂ emissions per tonne of processed milk.

Nova Dairy highlights that its sustainability interventions are strategic and scalable, not CSR mandates. Designed to uplift rural livelihoods and improve farm economics, these initiatives are structured to be replicable across India’s fragmented dairy ecosystem.

Nova Dairy is exploring further climate-smart opportunities:

• Wider adoption of biogas and biodigester systems at the farm level, capturing methane from manure and convert it into biogas, which can be used for energy in farmer home kitchen

• Composting manure to reduce methane emissions by promoting aerobic decomposition turning dung into renewable energy and organic fertilizer, aligned with national efforts led by Nestlé India and others to reduce manure-related emissions.

• Encourage to reduce methane emission by modifying their diet like replacing grass silage with maize silage, potentially using feed additives like legumes rich in tannins, including red seaweed, lipids & nitrates in the diet to inhibit methanogenesis.

• Expanded solar microgrids and renewable energy systems across milk collection centres, inspired by successful models from Tata Power–NDDB collaborations.

About Nova Dairy

Nova Dairy, a part of Sterling Agro Industries Ltd., is one of India’s most trusted dairy brands, known for its wide range of high-quality dairy products. The company is committed to innovation, sustainability, and delivering value to its consumers. Nova Dairy's operations span multiple states, and its products have become a staple in households across the country.

Source : Dairynews7x7 Aug 5th 2025 Press release by Sterling Agro