Is India Losing the Creamy Legacy of Its Buffalo Milk?
National Milk Day 2024 marked the 103rd birth anniversary of Dr. Verghese Kurien, the Father of the Milk Revolution in India. The Government of India celebrated the occasion on a grand scale, conferring the prestigious Gopal Ratna awards and honoring Dr. Kurien's remarkable legacy. On this day, the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) also released the final outcomes of the Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics 2024.
One statistic that caught my attention was the 16% reduction in buffalo milk's contribution to total milk production, although it still accounts for around 44%. This significant shift demands deeper exploration once the detailed report becomes available. Meanwhile, I began reflecting on the changing dynamics of India’s dairy industry over the past 4–5 years.
Evolving Challenges in Dairy Farming
Post-COVID-19 and the outbreak of lumpy skin disease, the dairy industry faced disruptions in calving cycles and challenges in sustaining profitability for dairy farmers. The past two summers have been particularly difficult, marked by:
- Sufficient milk availability during lean periods in summer,
- Excessive stocks of dairy commodities,
- Depressed global prices of skimmed milk powder (SMP),
- Weak local demand for dairy commodities, and
- A sharp surge in buffalo meat exports.
Buffalo Milk’s Declining Share
Buffalo milk has been a unique and vital component of India’s dairy economy, contributing 55–60% of total milk production just 8–10 years ago. As recently as 2019–20, its share was nearly 50%. However, the rising trend of buffalo meat exports appears to have had a substantial impact on buffalo population and, consequently, milk production.
The Impact of Buffalo Meat Exports
In the first half of FY25 alone, India exported buffalo meat worth over ₹15,000 crore, equivalent to nearly 3 million buffaloes—approximately 2% of the total buffalo population, according to the 20th Livestock Census. The following table provides projections based on: a. An average buffalo weight of 500 kg, and b. Meat yield assumed at 50% of body weight.
Should the yield percentage decrease, the estimated number of slaughtered buffaloes would increase further.
Projected Population Trends
The final projected buffalo population incorporates:
- The historical growth rate of 1.06% observed between 2012 and 2019.
- An estimated meat export impact at 1.01% between 2019 and 2024.
| Year | Buff meat exports in Rs 000 Crores | Slaughtered Buff Equivalent in Mllns | Buff Population Growth rate A 1.06% |
Buff Population Growth rate A 1.0% |
| 2019-20 | 22.7 | 5.8 | 109.0 | 109.0 |
| 2020-21 | 23.5 | 5.4 | 115.5 | 110.1 |
| 2021-22 | 24.6 | 5.9 | 122.5 | 111.2 |
| 2022-23 | 25.6 | 5.9 | 129.8 | 112.3 |
| 2023-24 | 31.0 | 6.5 | 137.6 | 113.4 |
| Total/Balance | 127.4 | 29.4 | 108.2 | 84.0 |
| @Suruchi Research 24 | ||||
Regardless of the numbers, it is crucial to preserve the legacy of buffalo milk in India’s dairy ecosystem. Buffaloes have been a cornerstone of India’s agricultural and dairy economy, supporting millions of rural households. With a population of 109 million in 2019, India holds the distinction of leading the world in buffalo population—a testament to their immense contribution to the nation’s prosperity.
Buffalo milk plays an indispensable role in India's dairy industry, especially in creating traditional dairy products renowned for their rich texture, creaminess, and whiteness. Its unique properties make it a preferred choice for both consumers and dairy producers.
Richness in Creaminess and Whiteness Buffalo milk, with its higher fat (6–8%) and protein (3.5–4%) content, is ideal for rich, creamy dairy products. Its natural whiteness enhances the visual appeal of items like paneer, khoa, and barfi.
Perfect for Traditional Delicacies
- Paneer: Creamy, firm, and perfect for Indian dishes.
- Ghee: Aromatic and flavorful, made from its high-fat content.
- Barfi and Khoa: Known for their luscious texture and long shelf life.
- Curd Whitening: Balances the yellowish tint of cow curd for a bright white appearance.
Buffaloes are resilient, thrive on local fodder, and have a longer productive lifespan, making them indispensable for smallholder farmers, especially in drought-prone areas. Even antibiotic residues in buffalo belt is significantly lower due to their resilience.
Higher Income Generator
Buffalo milk’s fat content (6–8%) and India’s fat-based pricing system ensure better earnings for farmers. It’s ideal for producing high-demand items like ghee, paneer, butter, and cream, offering economic stability for rural livelihoods.
Cultural and Social Significance
Buffaloes symbolize wealth and sustainability in rural India and are integral to festivals and rituals, reinforcing their socio-economic importance.
A2 Milk: Indigenous and Unique
Buffalo milk’s pure A2 protein offers health benefits like better digestibility, reduced inflammation, and nutrient absorption. Though these benefits of A2 milk are not clinically proven but still are aligned with consumer’s perception. Unlike crossbred cows, buffaloes are entirely indigenous, aligning with traditional dietary needs.
Global and Local Trends
As global demand for A2 milk grows, buffalo milk strengthens India’s position in premium dairy markets, while supporting sustainable, culturally relevant dairy practices at home.
Path to Sustainable Growth
Buffaloes are central to India’s dairy economy, offering nutritional security and financial stability. Supporting buffalo development will bolster India’s global dairy leadership and empower rural communities.
Buffaloes, with their resilience and productivity, remain a cornerstone of India’s agricultural legacy—a symbol of strength and sustainability.