Global Dairy Experts Converge in Anand for Non-Bovine Milk Symposium
The historic dairy hub of Anand, Gujarat, is currently hosting the prestigious 9th International Dairy Federation (IDF) Symposium on Sheep, Goat, Camel and other Non-Bovine Milk. This significant three-day international gathering, which commenced on Monday and will conclude on February 11, is being orchestrated by the Indian national committee of the IDF at the renowned National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) campus.
Focus on Sustainability and Climate Resilience
The symposium has assembled over ninety distinguished national and international delegates, including prominent policymakers, leading scientists, influential industry leaders, and seasoned dairy professionals. A central theme resonating throughout the event is the critical promotion of climate-resilient dairy systems and the fortification of value chains for alternative milks.
IDF President Gilles Froment articulated a compelling vision, positioning goat, sheep, and camel milk as emerging sustainable alternatives, particularly vital for climatically stressed and arid regions across the globe. While acknowledging that global milk production has surpassed an impressive one billion tonnes, Froment highlighted the persistent uneven growth within the sector.
He issued a clarion call for accelerated innovation, enhanced food safety protocols, and the development of robust nutritional data to effectively scale up the non-bovine dairy segment. Furthermore, Froment emphasized the urgent necessity for adopting climate-resilient agricultural practices, strategically aligning efforts with the upcoming FAO International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists in 2026.
Indian Initiatives and Nutritional Impact
NDDB Chairman Meenesh Shah underscored the profound role of non-bovine milk in bolstering nutrition security and supporting livelihoods, with a special focus on empowering women in rural economies. Shah detailed proactive NDDB initiatives, including comprehensive disease control programs and the implementation of advanced breeding technologies.
He cited tangible progress, such as successful artificial insemination programs for goats and the innovative marketing of camel milk through Amul's Sarhad Dairy cooperative, showcasing a model for commercial viability.
Building Science-Led, Low-Carbon Value Chains
Animal Husbandry Commissioner Naveena B Maheswarappa presented a compelling case, characterizing sheep, goat, and camel value chains as inherently low-carbon food systems. Maheswarappa advocated for the development of science-led, cluster-based production models. These models would integrate essential certification and traceability mechanisms to ensure quality, build consumer trust, and enhance market access for producers.
Echoing these sentiments, FAO India Representative Takayuki Hagiwara and IDF Director General Laurence Rycken collectively emphasized the paramount need to strengthen foundational research, forge robust market linkages, and embed sustainability at the core of operations. They argued that this holistic approach is essential to fully unlock the immense socio-economic and environmental potential of the non-bovine dairy sector worldwide.
The symposium in Anand stands as a pivotal platform, fostering global dialogue and collaboration to transform alternative dairy sources into mainstream, sustainable, and profitable components of the future food system.
