Climate Change May Hit India's Milk Products by 3M Tonnes/Year by 2020

INDIA - India, the world's largest milk producer, may see a loss of milk production by over 3 million tonnes (MT) per year by 2020 due to frequent climate change and it may also lead to a decline in per capita consumption, industry experts said.
calendar icon 17 February 2017
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The country's milk production has been steadily increasing with 2015-16 recording an output of 160 MT, the impact of rising temperatures, especially on cross-bred cows will make the task of meeting domestic demand difficult and could eventually lead to a decline in per capita consumption, industry experts said at the 45th Dairy Industry Conference, organised by Indian Dairy Association (West Zone) here.

"The dairy sector is likely to be affected both directly and indirectly by climate change. While stress to animals caused by changes in temperature-humidity index would directly affect milk production, indirect effects include feed and water availability being impacted by adverse climate events," National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) Chairman Dilip Rath said.

Heat stress also impacts animal reproduction adversely as levels of above the acceptable levels can impact conception rates.

Source: The Economic Times

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