Have you ever questioned if it is worthwhile to purchase organic milk, curd, paneer, ghee and various other dairy and daily essential products in the nation? The use of antibiotics, growth hormones, residuals and traces of pesticides are frequently found in typical dairy products. This is largely due to infrastructural challenges in the traditional dairy supply chain, and unethical practices. Let’s look at why more and more people are moving towards health First category and switching to farm fresh or organic dairy products.
AVOIDING HORMONES, ANTIBIOTICS AND PESTICIDES
Traditional Indian dairy cows are frequently treated with recombinant bovine somatotropin (rBST) to increase milk output. These synthetic hormones are not just harmful to the cattle, but also deleterious and risky to human health. However, Hi-Tech Dairy farms operating with state-of-the-art facilities, and international best practices avoid the usage of any form of hormones. Moreover, any sick cattle treated with antibiotics is also separately handled and milk is not mixed. This prevents antibiotic-resistant germs from entering your glass of milk or paneer. Furthermore, organic regulations ban the use of hazardous pesticides and fertilisers, which might contaminate products.
MORE PROSPEROUS WITH NUTRITIOUS ELEMENTS
Since farm-fresh milk is not contaminated with any impurities, and is delivered fresh, it can preserve the nutritious properties of milk. Based on a 2016 meta-analysis in the British Journal of Nutrition, organic dairy products have more heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids than conventional dairy products. The organic variants also include somewhat more iron, vitamin E, and certain carotenoids. So, by selecting farm-fresh dairy or organic products, you’ll get more of these important nutrients that have been linked to improved health.
REDUCED DANGERS ASSOCIATED WITH EXPOSURE TO PESTICIDES
Pesticides and poisons used in traditional Indian farming can stay in animals and wind up in meat, eggs, dairy and other animal products humans consume. Scientists are still investigating the possible long-term health effects of consuming these chemicals. Choosing hi-tech dairy farm products, or organic dairy products that spend disproportionate resources on ensuring feed quality and consistency is a good way to reduce your total pesticide exposure.
POTENTIALLY LESS BACTERIAL CONTAMINATION
A 2017 analysis published in Food Science and Technology found lower counts of bacteria in organic raw milk compared to conventional raw milk. Researchers detected fewer Staphylococcus and Streptococcus bacteria counts in the organic samples. The presence of such bacteria can indicate poor sanitation practices during milk collection and storage. Again, more research is still needed, but this finding suggests following international best practices at the dairy farm is very critical to avoid bacterial contamination, and produce safer milk and value-added products.
MAY PROTECT FERTILITY AND CHILDREN’S HEALTH
Pesticides like glyphosate and atrazine often taint traditional dairy. Worryingly, research finds that exposure to even small amounts of these chemicals, especially in children and pregnant women, correlates to poorer reproductive health. For instance, back in 2022 research published in JAMA Internal Medicine connected any measurable pesticide residue in dairy consumed during pregnancy to an increased risk of birth abnormalities. Couples who are expecting or attempting to conceive can protect themselves from swallowing these harmful substances by opting for hi-tech fresh farm dairy or organic dairy products.
ENCOURAGES SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES WITHIN THE NATION
Hi-tech SOP-driven farms emphasise more environmentally friendly agricultural techniques than conventional farming systems. Instead of utilising hazardous, industrial pesticides and fertilisers, they opt for natural alternatives such as alternating animal grazing patterns as well as spreading compost across fields. They usually concentrate on enhancing soil health without using pesticides and feeding cows with high-quality residual and pesticide-free fodder.
TIPS FOR INCORPORATING MORE ORGANIC DAIRY
Wondering the best ways to eat and drink more hi-tech farm fresh dairy in India? Here are some suggestions:
- Try buying milk from reputed farm fresh companies or certified organic milk. Use them for your chai, smoothies, shakes and recipes.
- Switch out regular curd, buttermilk, raita, shrikhand and other dairy products for certified, farm-fresh varieties.
- Look for trusted and freshly prepared ghee and cream to avoid synthetic growth hormones and support better farming practices.
- Scan cheese shelves for clean labels when selecting slices for sandwiches or shreds for dishes. Prioritise organic with soft cheeses you eat a lot.
THE NEXT TIME YOU SHOP
While cost can be a factor, the price difference between conventional and farm fresh dairy continues to shrink in India. For your health and to encourage more sustainable food system practices, buying reputed farm fresh dairy is a smart choice. The higher amounts of omega-3 fats, beneficial nutrients and lower pesticide residues give this milk, curd, paneer and other dairy products the edge. Next time you shop for dairy, look for the source to upgrade your health along with helping support better farming methods.
