Milk Production Declines in the Gangetic Plains Due to Climate Change
Context
A study published in Scientific Reports has linked the significant decline in bovine milk production across the trans-Gangetic plains of northwestern India, particularly Haryana, to the impacts of climate change. Rising heat stress forces lactating animals to divert energy towards maintaining body temperature, reducing milk production by 20–30%.
Facts
- The study analysed data from 1,148 villages (2004–2019) covering 4.66 million crossbred cattle, 2.86 million indigenous cattle, and 35.56 million buffaloes.
- High temperatures (above 38°C) combined with humidity exceeding 70% during July–August significantly reduce milk yield, while winter temperatures have little impact.
- A one-unit increase in potential evapotranspiration lowers buffalo milk production by approximately 1.4 litres per day.
- Heat stress currently causes an estimated loss of 3.2 million tonnes of milk annually, valued at around ₹2,661 crore. Losses could reach 15 million tonnes by the 2050s, while The Lancet projects a 25% decline in India’s milk production by 2085.
- Indigenous cattle breeds such as Sahiwal and Hariana exhibit greater heat tolerance. Around 80 million smallholder farmers contribute nearly 85% of India’s total milk production.
Way Forward
- Conserve indigenous breeds as reservoirs of climate-resilient genetic traits.
- Incorporate Temperature-Humidity Index (THI) and evapotranspiration into livestock heat-stress early warning systems.
- Promote breeding programmes focused on heat-tolerant Bos indicus characteristics to enhance climate resilience.
Key Concepts
- Temperature-Humidity Index (THI): An indicator of heat stress in livestock that combines ambient temperature and relative humidity.
- Evapotranspiration: The combined loss of water through soil evaporation and plant transpiration, widely used as an indicator of heat and moisture stress.
- Bos indicus: Indigenous humped (zebu) cattle of South Asia known for loose skin, efficient sweating, disease resistance, and superior heat tolerance.
- NBAGR (National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources): The apex institution responsible for identifying, conserving, and managing India’s indigenous animal genetic resources, including heat-tolerant breeds.
- ICAR-NDRI (National Dairy Research Institute): India’s premier dairy research institute and a co-author of the study.