India’s vast and diverse agricultural landscape, spanning 160 million hectares and sustained by the efforts of 151 million farmers, plays a substantial role, contributing five per cent to the nation’s GDP (World Bank, 2023).

Despite its scale, challenges persist, including fragmented landholdings and susceptibility to unpredictable weather patterns, limiting its full potential. However, amidst these challenges lies a noteworthy segment—the Indian dairy sector, a global leader producing an impressive 188 million tonnes of milk annually (National Dairy Development Board, 2023). This sector, constituting 26 per cent of the agricultural GVA (gross value-added), not only nourishes millions but also supports the livelihoods of over 80 million people (Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, 2023).

Similar to its agricultural counterpart, the dairy sector grapples with challenges such as insufficient cold chain infrastructure, varying milk quality, and income disparities among farmers. Enter agri-tech, a transformative force with a remarkable compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 50 per cent (FICCI-KPMG Report, 2023). Sample this: Over 1,000 agri-tech startups have emerged in India recently. This digital wave can potentially revolutionize the lives of those dedicated to cattle care. This is possible though, for instance, smart sensors optimising nutrition through monitoring feed intake for individual animals (Krishi Bhavan, 2023), blockchain tech ensuring milk traceability, fostering consumer trust, and ensuring fair pricing for farmers (Indian Council of Agricultural Research, 2023) or even telemedicine reaching remote villages, providing real-time veterinary consultation, and reducing animal mortality (ET Agro, 2023).

Integral to economy

The Indian dairy industry, integral to the economy and livelihoods, is incorporating various agri-tech interventions to enhance productivity. In the realm of smart feeding and herd management, IoT-based feeders use sensors to monitor individual animal feed intake, preventing overfeeding and optimising nutrition. Wearable devices track cows’ activity and health, aiding in reproductive cycle management and early disease identification. Real-time milk analysers assess individual cow performance, adjusting feeding accordingly.

To improve milk quality and safety, cold chain infrastructure with smart milk collection systems ensures quality and minimises spoilage. Blockchain technology traces milk from farm to table, ensuring transparency and consumer trust. Portable adulteration detection devices swiftly identify milk adulteration, promoting fairness for genuine producers. Also, to boost farmer income and market access, online dairy platforms connect farmers directly to consumers, eliminating middlemen. Digital dairy cooperatives enable collective bargaining and information sharing among farmers, empowering them in the market. Mobile apps provide market information, best practices, and financial services.

Breeding programmes for high-yielding cows optimise genetic selection, improving milk production and quality. Telemedicine for livestock offers remote veterinary consultation, enhancing animal health and reducing mortality rates.

Govt initiatives aiding growth

The Indian agri-tech market, currently, valued at $13.5 billion in 2023, anticipates a substantial leap to $34 billion by 2027, boasting an impressive CAGR of 50 per cent. This remarkable growth is propelled by multiple factors, including the escalating demand for food amid a burgeoning population and rising incomes. Agtech solutions play a pivotal role in enhancing yields, minimising wastage, and fortifying food security. Further amplifying this growth trajectory are governmental initiatives like the Digital Agriculture Mission and the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund, which provide financial backing, infrastructure development, and technological access to farmers. Additionally, the increased internet penetration and widespread adoption of smartphones in rural India create a conducive environment for the seamless integration of digital solutions, opening new channels for agri-tech startups to directly engage with farmers.

The agriculture and allied areas in India stand to benefit from advantages such as precision agriculture practices, facilitated by sensors, drones, and AI analytics, optimising resource utilisation, resulting in heightened yields and reduced costs. Agtech platforms furnish farmers with weather data, market insights, and optimal farming methods, empowering informed decision-making and efficient farm management. Technologies like soil sensors and remote monitoring systems promote sustainable farming by aiding water conservation, minimising fertilizer usage, and reducing environmental impact.

Issue posing hurdle

While the Indian agri-tech market holds substantial promise, it encounters notable challenges. The limited digital literacy among many dairy farmers necessitates concerted efforts to bridge the digital divide and provide essential training for widespread adoption. The issue of fragmented landholdings poses a hurdle, as small-scale farming makes it challenging for farmers to capitalise on economies of scale and invest in advanced technologies. Additionally, the lack of infrastructure, including restricted access to cold storage facilities, rural markets, and dependable internet connectivity, presents barriers to sector growth. Above all is the question of affordability for small-holding farmers.

Addressing these challenges requires collaborative initiatives from the government, private sector, and educational institutions. Only through such collective efforts can the full potential of the Indian agtech market be unlocked, ushering in transformative changes for the dairy sector, farmers, consumers, and the broader agricultural sector. The intersection of dairy and technology holds immense promise for farmers, promising increased yields, enhanced market access, and improved incomes. This digital transformation is not only beneficial for farmers but also for processors, consumers, and the nation at large. The ongoing digital evolution promises a brighter future for India’s dairy sector, driven by data, fuelled by technology, and propelled by the resilience of its people.

The author is founder and Managing Director, Sid’s Farm Private Limited. Views are personal.

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