India’s Dairy industry unites to tackle milk quality at 8th International Dairy & Feed Expo

Experts highlighted the crucial role of animal feed in producing quality milk

The supply of safe milk is a significant issue in India, with the quality of milk becoming a central topic of discussion. Good-quality feed is essential to ensure a high-quality milk supply. Prasad Wagh, Managing Director of Japfa Comfeed, emphasised this at the inaugural function of the 8th International Dairy & Feed Expo. Organised by Benison Media, the expo brings together professionals and farmers from the dairy, poultry, fisheries, and animal feed industries at the Auto Cluster Exhibition Centre in Pimpri, Pune. Approximately 100 companies showcasing dairy and dairy-related products and machinery participated in the event.

During his speech, Prasad Wagh highlighted the crucial role of animal feed in producing quality milk.

Several dignitaries attended the inauguration, including Dr Milind Meshram, Associate Dean at Krantisinh Nana Patil Veterinary College; Arun Dongale, Chairman of the Kolhapur Jilha Sahakari Doodh Utpadak Sangh (Gokul Milk); Dr Jitendra Verma from the World Veterinary Poultry Association; Vasantkumar Shetty from the Poultry Farmers and Breeders Association; and Divyakumar Gulati, Chairman of the Compound Livestock Manufacturing Association (CLFMA). Prakash Kutwal, Secretary of the Milk Producers and Processors Welfare, and organisers Prachi Arora and Anand Gorad participated.

Prakash Kutwal noted that business innovation is a hallmark of progress. He observed that the dairy industry often lacks good-quality milk and stressed the need for actionable solutions instead of merely discussing milk adulteration.

Divyakumar Gulati stated that addressing milk quality issues requires ensuring a supply of quality feed, yet there is a shortage of raw materials, such as soya. He suggested investigating whether genetically modified (GM) crops could provide a solution.

Dr Milind Meshram emphasised the importance of animal health and nutritious food for livestock, noting that the current system lacks adequate nutrition for animals. He stressed the need for collaboration among academicians and stakeholders to identify and resolve these issues.

Anand Gorad highlighted the expo’s role in advancing India’s dairy and feed industries.

Arun Dongale remarked on the expo’s usefulness in empowering farmers, stating that Gokul Milk is committed to supporting milk-producing farmers. Vasantkumar Shetty also shared his insights regarding the poultry industry.