The U.S. Grains Council (USGC) recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), the largest dairy cooperative in India, beginning work to revolutionize the current model of dairy calf rearing in India and marking the most aggressive form of USGC programming in that country to date.

Currently, many calves in India are undernourished or malnourished, which stunts their growth and reproduction and negatively impacts their milk production. The new agreement begins a collaboration that offers technical expertise focused on nutrition and genetics, which should boost productivity, increase Indian farmers’ income and incentivize them to reinvest in their dairy enterprises.

“Calf rearing is one of the key areas of management in any successful dairy operation,� said Amit Sachdev, USGC consultant in India. “With the cost of feed and management increasing, it is important that dairy farmers in India learn modern and innovative dairy management practices that will help them remain competitive in the world market.�

As India is the largest producer of milk in the world – 150 percent the size of the United States, the next largest producer – this project is a step toward building the country’s demand for coarse grains.

The first phase of the project will include data collection, planning and commercial feasibility, while the second phase of the project will focus on development and scaling up.

“This agreement with GCMMF will serve as the bedrock for industrial development in the Indian dairy sector,” said Kevin Roepke, USGC regional director for South and Southeast Asia. “The Council is thrilled to have such a great partner in this endeavor, which will ultimately help the dairy farmers of India reach their fullest potential.â€�

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