Climate Smart Dairying


Global climate change, the most serious environmental challenge humanity has to face is threatening the well-being of the future generations by transforming our planet’s ecosystem. As per Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) global surface temperature by the end of the 21st century is likely to exceed 1.5 to 2.0 0C relative to 1850 to 1900. Continued emissions of anthropogenic greenhouse gases (GHG) will cause further warming and long-lasting changes in all components of the climate system, increasing the likelihood of severe, pervasive and irreversible impacts for people and ecosystem.

Worldwide, livestock production is responsible for 14.5 per cent of the global anthropogenic GHG emissions. In most regions of the world, over 70 per cent of freshwater is used for agriculture (includes crop and livestock production). Therefore, the global livestock sector is widely challenged to reduce its impact on climate change.

NDDB has taken up various initiatives such as improved feeding (ration balancing, total mixed rations) and manure management (biogas) for reducing environment impact of dairying. These initiatives would definitely help improve dairy sustainability in India.