For centuries, rural communities in India have recognised the economic, social, and cultural role of cattle in village life. Nearly 86 per cent of agricultural landholdings in the country are small, typically between one and two hectares, which allows farmers to integrate crop cultivation with cattle rearing. For many households, cows contribute to food and nutritional security and supplement family income. In addition to milk and dairy products, cattle dung and urine are widely used in agricultural practices such as manure preparation and soil conditioning.
India continues to face significant nutritional challenges. The country is home to a large undernourished population, and anaemia remains prevalent among children, adolescent girls, and women. Improving access to affordable and nutritious food remains a policy priority. In this context, the effective management of livestock resources, including indigenous cattle, can play a role in supporting rural livelihoods, nutrition, and productivity.
According to data from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), 100 ml of cow’s milk provides approximately 61 calories, 3.2 g of protein, 3.3 g of fat, carbohydrates in the form of lactose, and essential minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium. Milk also contains vitamins A, D, and B12, which contribute to bone health, muscle function, and immune support. These nutritional attributes make milk an important component of diets, particularly in regions where access to diverse food sources is limited.
India possesses a wide range of indigenous cattle breeds that are adapted to local climatic and ecological conditions. More than 50 recognised native breeds exist, including Gir, Sahiwal, Red Sindhi, Kankrej, Hariana, Tharparkar, and Ongole. Several of these breeds are valued for their resilience to heat, disease resistance, and ability to thrive under low-input farming systems. Smaller indigenous breeds such as Vechur, Punganur, Malnad Gidda, Pulikulam, and Lakhimi are known for their adaptability and lower maintenance requirements. In drought-prone regions, breeds such as Khillar, Dangi, Deoni, and Red Kandhari continue to support agricultural livelihoods.
Despite this diversity, many indigenous breeds remain under-documented, and some have declined due to cross-breeding, reduced grazing land, and limited awareness of their economic potential. As per the 2019 Livestock Census, India had approximately 4.85 crore native milch cows. The Union government launched initiatives such as the Rashtriya Gokul Mission and the National Gokul Gram programme in 2014 to conserve and promote indigenous cattle and to improve dairy-based incomes for small farmers. However, census data indicate that the growth in native cow population between 2012 and 2019 was marginal, suggesting the need for improved implementation and monitoring of these programmes.
India’s small landholding structure, often viewed as a constraint, also offers certain advantages. Small farms tend to preserve crop diversity and soil fertility and provide a measure of food security. Over time, farmers have developed skills in maintaining small dairy units, typically with two to four cows, which can generate steady income through milk and by-products. Strengthening dairy cooperatives and ensuring transparency and fair pricing can further enhance returns for small producers.
The global market for dairy products continues to expand. The ghee market alone was valued at approximately USD 55.8 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow steadily over the next decade. Similarly, the global dairy market exceeded USD 900 billion in 2023. Although India is the world’s largest milk producer, its share in global dairy exports remains below one per cent, largely due to high domestic demand. Nevertheless, there is potential for expanding exports of value-added products such as ghee, cheese, and traditional sweets, provided quality and safety standards are consistently maintained.
Milk adulteration remains a serious concern, affecting consumer trust, public health, and the credibility of the dairy sector. Instances of adulteration reduce domestic confidence and restrict export opportunities. Regulatory bodies such as the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) have initiated nationwide inspections and enforcement measures to address this issue. Sustained regulatory oversight and strict enforcement are essential to restore consumer confidence and protect both producers and consumers.
A comprehensive approach involving grassroot-level surveys, participation of small dairy farmers in policymaking, protection of grazing lands, availability of green fodder, preservation of water resources, public awareness about indigenous cattle, and strong food safety enforcement can help unlock the economic potential of India’s native cow diversity. With appropriate institutional support, indigenous cattle can contribute to income generation, employment, nutritional security, and sustainable rural development.
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