Breaking through the Ceiling in India’s Dairy Sector

India has long been known as a land of possibilities, and this reputation was reinforced by the achievements of Punjab’s dairy farmers. The Progressive Dairy Farmers Association (PDFA) organised its 18th International Dairy and Agriculture Expo from February 8 to 10 at Jagraon in district Ludhiana. This event has become a key platform for innovation and collaboration in the dairy and agriculture sectors, drawing participation from across India and beyond.

This year’s Expo saw impressive participation from global giants in dairy machinery, equipment, and genetics. These companies showcased cutting-edge technologies and products, providing farmers firsthand insight into the latest advancements. The event drew over 3,50,000 farmers from across India and the world, reinforcing its status as a premier agricultural event.

For years, India's dairy industry has been facing the challenge of low productivity, and there is a growing need to improve the feed conversion ratio. Addressing these concerns, experts at the Expo emphasized the importance of adopting advanced breeding, nutrition, and management practices to enhance dairy output.

The PDFA was established in 1972 with a few hundred members aiming to improve dairy farming performance. However, its transformation began in 2003 under the leadership of visionary dairy farmer Sardar Daljeet Singh. Determined to revolutionize dairy farming,  Singh visited advanced dairy nations, learning techniques to introduce them to PDFA farmer members. He also led delegations of PDFA members to international dairy expos and farms, inspiring them to adopt better practices.

These experiences led to the PDFA organizing its first Expo in 2007. What began as a modest event has since grown significantly. The 2025 edition featured over 550 booths occupied by national and international companies specializing in dairy production, machinery, feed, and genetics. Companies showcased technologies such as automated milking systems and advanced cattle nutrition solutions, helping farmers enhance productivity.

A major highlight was the grand animal competition, featuring over 1200 high-quality milking animals, including Holstein and Jersey cows and Murrah and Nili Ravi buffalos. These animals were judged by a panel of four esteemed international experts. Albert Reurink from The Netherlands, one of the judges, praised the progress made by PDFA farmers, stating they could now compete on a global level. 

A delegation of 28 farmers from Belgium, an advanced dairy nation, visited the Expo after discovering it online. They were amazed by the quality of animals while remarking that such high standards were rarely found in Europe. They acknowledged that Punjab’s dairy farmers had much to teach the world, signalling a reverse knowledge flow: India, once a learner in global dairy farming, is now emerging as a leader.

I had the opportunity to visit the Expo for the first time and was rather astonished to see such high-quality dairy animals in India for which Daljeet Singh and his team members deserve credit. 

The key to PDFA’s success lies in the use of the best quality progeny-tested semen, imported from advanced dairy countries since 2007, along with the adoption of superior nutrition and management practices. PDFA regularly invites experts from around the world to guide its members. The result of these efforts was evident when a cow belonging to Harpreet Singh, a participant, was declared the champion, yielding 81.96 kg of milk per day, fetching him a brand new tractor as a reward.

It is also noteworthy that the average milk production of cows belonging to PDFA member farmers ranges from 9000 to 12,000 kg per lactation period of 305 days. The top five Holstein and Jersey cows, as per farmers, were recognized for their exceptional productivity.

The Expo also received strong support from the Indian government and academia. Ministers of animal husbandry, senior bureaucrats, vice chancellors of various universities, dairy cooperative leaders, and academicians attended the Expo. Dr. Bhushan Tyagi, joint commissioner of the Department of Animal Husbandry, Government of India, attended this year’s Expo and commended PDFA for its efforts in adopting modern dairy practices and ensuring sustainability.

In conclusion, the 18th International Dairy and Agriculture Expo was a resounding success, reaffirming India’s growing stature in the global dairy industry. With each passing year, PDFA’s efforts bring India closer to becoming a world leader in dairy farming, uniting farmers, industry leaders, and policymakers in their quest for excellence. 

(Dr R S Sodhi is President of the Indian Dairy Association and Chairperson, NIFTEM, Thanjavur. Uday Tiwari is National Coordinator, PDFA)