India proudly holds the title of the world’s largest milk producer—a testament to the relentless efforts of millions of smallholder farmers and their livestock. However, this remarkable achievement conceals a critical challenge: productivity. On average, Indian dairy animals yield only one-tenth of the milk produced by their counterparts in countries like the United States.

A collaborative study by Kumaraguru Institutions and the Environmental Defense Fund, conducted across Tamil Nadu, illuminated the systemic barriers holding back India's dairy sector—high production costs, low price realization for milk, and weak last-mile delivery of essential inputs and veterinary services. The findings revealed the voices of farmers burdened with fatigue, frustration, and a collective call for change.

That change is now underway. In March 2024, Kumaraguru Institutions launched a pioneering initiative—the Climate Smart Dairy Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Development Project. This bold project is not just about producing more milk; it’s about producing it smartly, sustainably, and with dignity for the farmer.

Under this initiative, 112 passionate dairy entrepreneurs were selected, trained, and incubated over a three-month period. Their training spanned key areas such as breeding, nutrition, housing, animal health, and milk value addition. But this is just the beginning. Each entrepreneur will continue to receive nine months of hands-on mentoring, equipping them to support and uplift over 10,000 dairy farmers across the region.

These changemakers are more than entrepreneurs—they are catalysts of hope, committed to delivering quality inputs, reliable services, and much-needed scientific knowledge to underserved farming communities.

Introducing the “Dairy Yatra” — A First-of-Its-Kind Journey of Learning and Inspiration

As part of this visionary initiative, Kumaraguru Institutions launched the Dairy Yatra, a transformative learning expedition. Over 40 entrepreneurs are traveling across 05 states—Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Rajasthan—covering more than 6,000 kms to explore leading innovations in dairy farming.

From the verdant pastures of Coimbatore Tamil Nadu to the sun-scorched deserts of Rajasthan—this journey brings together the full spectrum of India’s diverse dairy ecosystem.

The Yatra includes curated visits to 15 premier dairy farms, innovation hubs, and research institutions, offering over 150 hours of immersive, real-world learning. Participants are gaining hands-on exposure to Organic milk production, Total Mixed Ration (TMR) systems, Elite breeding centres, Hydroponic fodder cultivation, Manure value-addition techniques, Alternative dairy products like camel and donkey milk, they are also engaging with leading pioneers, grassroots innovators, and institutional experts—absorbing best practices to bring back home.

Key Institutions scheduled for visiting in the Yatra include:

Akshayakalpa Organic Dairy Farm, Karnataka – A pioneer in ethical animal care and direct-to-consumer dairy models.

BAIF Institute for Sustainable Livelihoods and Development (BISLD), Karnataka – Known for rural transformation through livestock development and participatory governance.

Gokul Dairy TMR Plant, Maharashtra – Demonstrating scientifically balanced feed for enhanced productivity and cost efficiency.

Centre of Excellence in Dairy, Baramati, Maharashtra – A national model for integrated research, youth training, and smallholder empowerment.

National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), Gujarat – A cornerstone of India’s dairy revolution, promoting cooperative models and technological innovation.

ICAR-National Research Centre on Camel, Rajasthan – Advancing research in camel dairy farming and sustainable practices in arid regions.

Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute, Rajasthan – Exploring synergies between sheep farming and dairy production for integrated livestock systems.

The Dairy Yatra is More Than a journey—It’s a Movement

This initiative marks a defining shift in how dairy farming is approached in India. It reimagines dairy not just as a livelihood, but as a profession rooted in climate resilience, knowledge, and dignity. It’s a movement for transforming the lives of farmers, improving animal health, protecting the environment, and building a sustainable future.

India may lead the world in milk production. The true victory, however, will be when we also lead in farmer prosperity, animal well-being, and environmental sustainability.

The wheels of change are in motion—and they’re turning with purpose, unity, and hope.