Carbon Footprint Assessment of Dairy Value Chain

In a significant collaboration, TERI and the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) are launching a comprehensive Carbon Footprint Evaluation of India’s dairy supply chain. As the world's leading dairy producer, India's sector accounts for about 25% of global milk output and is vital for providing nutrition, supporting rural employment, and driving economic progress. Yet, like all food production systems, dairy farming generates significant greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, primarily from enteric fermentation, manure handling, and energy consumption in processing and distribution. This landmark initiative seeks to analyze these emissions thoroughly and develop actionable recommendations for environmentally responsible dairy farming.

Using a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) framework, the project will meticulously assess the environmental impact of key dairy products—from milk and curd to ghee, paneer, and cheese—across every stage of the supply chain. This analysis will span from cattle feed and animal rearing to milk processing, packaging, and retail. The study will pinpoint major emission "hotspots," explore global best practices, and identify mitigation strategies tailored for Indian conditions.

The resulting insights will form the foundation for a Carbon Neutrality Roadmap for the dairy sector, empowering cooperatives to scale up sustainable practices. By engaging directly with farmers, processors, and distributors through surveys, field visits, and focused group discussions, the project will not only quantify emissions but also highlight key opportunities. These include promoting renewable energy use, implementing efficient manure management, adopting sustainable feed practices, and optimizing logistics. Ultimately, this initiative will support India's national climate commitments while ensuring the growth of its dairy sector remains both resilient and sustainable.