Dairy farming is a cornerstone of global food systems, delivering vital nutrition like milk, cheese, and yogurt to billions while sustaining the livelihoods of millions of farmers. In countries like India, where dairy is a cultural and economic backbone, the sector is particularly significant.
Dairy Farming and Methane: A Natural but Costly Process
Methane emissions in dairy farming primarily come from a natural process called enteric fermentation. Ruminants like cows and buffaloes, which dominate dairy herds, have multi-chambered stomachs designed to break down tough plant material. During digestion, microbes ferment the feed, producing methane that’s mostly released through belching. In India, home to over 300 million cattle—the world’s largest bovine population—this process generates significant emissions. A single cow can produce 70–120 kilograms of methane annually, and with millions of animals, the numbers add up quickly.
Manure management is another culprit. When cow dung is stored in oxygen-poor environments like pits or lagoons, it decomposes anaerobically, releasing methane. In rural India, where smallholder farmers often lack advanced manure management systems, this is a common issue. These emissions don’t just harm the planet; they also reflect inefficiencies in farming systems that could be addressed to benefit both the environment and farmers’ livelihoods.
The Environmental and Human Toll
Methane’s role in climate change is profound. It traps heat far more effectively than CO₂, accelerating global warming and contributing to extreme weather events—floods, droughts, and heatwaves—that hit farming communities hard. In India, where agriculture employs nearly half the workforce, climate impacts threaten food security and rural economies. Methane also indirectly worsens air quality by contributing to ground-level ozone, which damages crops and causes respiratory issues. For Indian farmers, this means lower yields and health risks, compounding the challenges of poverty and limited resources.
Globally, dairy farming accounts for about 4% of human-caused greenhouse gas emissions, with methane being a significant portion. In India, the dairy sector’s contribution is amplified by the sheer scale of its cattle population. If unchecked, these emissions could jeopardise commitments like the Global Methane Pledge, which aims to cut methane by 30% by 2030. The stakes are high, but so is the potential for change.
Innovations Paving the Way
The good news is that solutions exist, and many are already being tested. Feed additives, like seaweed-based supplements, can reduce methane production during digestion by up to 80% in some trials. In India, where cost is a barrier, researchers are exploring locally sourced alternatives like plant-based additives. Anaerobic digesters, which capture methane from manure and convert it into biogas for energy, are another game-changer. In Punjab and Haryana, small-scale biogas plants are powering rural homes, turning waste into wealth while cutting emissions.
Selective breeding offers long-term promise. By identifying and breeding cows that naturally produce less methane, farmers can reduce emissions without sacrificing productivity. New Zealand and Denmark have pioneered such programs, and India’s National Dairy Research Institute is exploring similar strategies tailored to local breeds like Sahiwal and Gir.
The Role of Policy, Partnerships, and People
Governments must lead with policies that make climate-smart dairy accessible. In India, subsidies for biogas plants, tax breaks for methane-reducing technologies, and training programs for farmers can drive adoption. Carbon credit schemes could also incentivise sustainable practices, offering farmers financial rewards for cutting emissions. However, policies alone aren’t enough—partnerships are key.
Collaborations between governments, NGOs, research institutions, and private companies can deliver training, technology, and funding to smallholder farmers, who make up 80% of India’s dairy sector.
Farmers need support, not blame. Many are unaware of methane’s impact or lack the resources to adopt new practices. Extension services, mobile apps, and community cooperatives can bridge this gap, sharing knowledge in local languages and providing affordable tools. For example, India’s Amul cooperative model could integrate climate-smart practices, empowering farmers while scaling solutions.
Consumers also play a role. Choosing dairy from sustainable sources, reducing food waste, and supporting brands that invest in greener supply chains can drive change. In urban India, where demand for dairy is soaring, gregarious consumer awareness campaigns could shift preferences toward eco-friendly products.
Balancing Livelihoods and the Planet
The goal isn’t to vilify dairy but to make it sustainable. Dairy supports millions of Indian families, especially women, who often manage small herds. Abandoning it isn’t an option—improving it is. This means balancing nutritional security, economic stability, and environmental health. Innovations like biogas plants not only cut emissions but also provide farmers with extra income. Sustainable practices can improve soil health and water efficiency, boosting resilience against climate shocks.
India’s dairy sector is at a crossroads. With its massive cattle population and growing demand, the country faces unique challenges but also unique opportunities. By investing in research, scaling local solutions, and fostering collaboration, India can lead the way in climate-smart dairy. Global examples, like Denmark’s methane tax on livestock or New Zealand’s low-emission breeding programs, offer inspiration, but India’s solutions must reflect its realities—small farms, diverse breeds, and resource constraints.
A Call to Action
The rise of methane emissions in dairy farming is a wake-up call, but it’s not insurmountable. From farmers adopting biogas digesters to consumers choosing sustainable dairy, every step counts. Governments must prioritize policies that empower farmers, while companies and NGOs can provide the tools and knowledge needed for change. Together, we can build a dairy sector that nourishes people and protects the planet.
The journey to climate-smart dairy is urgent, but it’s also achievable. It’s about preserving the livelihoods of farmers like those in rural India, ensuring milk remains a staple for future generations, and safeguarding the environment we all share. With innovation, collaboration, and a shared commitment, dairy farming can be part of the climate solution, not the problem.
