Milk production in Gangetic plains has nosedived due to climate change
A new study has found that global warming acutely affects dairy production across the Global South, especially the high milk production tract of Haryana
360° Perspective Analysis
Deep-dive into Geography, Polity, Economy, History, Environment & Social dimensions — AI-powered, on-demand
Context
A recent study published in Scientific Reports links climate change to a significant drop in milk production among buffaloes in the trans-Gangetic plains, particularly Haryana. The research highlights the vulnerability of dairy farming to rising temperatures and humidity, emphasizing the need for climate-resilient livestock management practices and the conservation of indigenous breeds.
UPSC Perspectives
Environmental
The article underscores the direct impact of climate change on livestock productivity, a key aspect of agriculture. High temperatures coupled with high humidity create heat stress in animals, leading to reduced feed intake, impaired milk ejection, and potential mortality. The study identifies potential evapotranspiration and the temperature-humidity index (THI) as crucial indicators of heat stress. Buffaloes are particularly vulnerable due to their dark color and fewer sweat glands compared to indigenous cattle. This highlights the concept of climate vulnerability and the urgent need for climate adaptation strategies in the dairy sector, such as providing cooling systems and optimizing feeding practices. UPSC may ask about the environmental factors contributing to heat stress in livestock and the importance of early warning systems for proactive management.
Economic
The economic implications of climate change on dairy production are substantial. The study estimates a loss of 3.2 million tonnes of milk, translating to a monetary loss of Rs. 2,661 crore, which could rise significantly by the 2050s. This underscores the economic vulnerability of the dairy sector, which provides livelihoods to millions of smallholder farmers. The decline in milk yield directly impacts farm income and national agricultural output. Furthermore, climate change affects the availability and quality of fodder, adding to the cost of production. The plays a crucial role in developing technologies and practices to mitigate these losses. UPSC questions could focus on the economic impact of climate change on the agricultural sector and the role of institutions in supporting farmers through climate-smart agriculture.
Governance
The study highlights the need for effective governance and policy interventions to support sustainable livestock production. Integrating heat stress indicators into regional early warning systems is a key recommendation. Moreover, the conservation of indigenous cattle breeds, such as Sahiwal and Hariana, is emphasized due to their inherent heat tolerance and disease resilience. These breeds act as 'reservoirs of climate-resilient traits.' Policies must prioritize in-situ conservation and farmer-led breed improvement programs. The challenge lies in scaling these solutions for smallholder farmers, necessitating a coordinated national climate-smart dairy strategy. UPSC may ask about the role of the in conserving indigenous breeds and the policy measures required to ensure the long-term resilience of the dairy sector against climate change.