IDF symposium spotlights climate-resilient non-bovine milk

Vadodara: Anand is hosting the 9th International Dairy Federation (IDF) Symposium on Sheep, Goat, Camel and other Non-Bovine Milk, with global experts pitching climate-resilient dairy systems and stronger value chains for alternative milks.The three-day event, organized by the Indian national committee of the IDF at the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) campus in Anand, began on Monday and will end on Feb 11.
Over 90 national and international delegates, including policymakers, scientists, industry leaders and dairy professionals, are participating.IDF president Gilles Froment said goat, sheep and camel milk are emerging as sustainable options, especially in climatically stressed regions. While global milk output crossed 1 billion tonnes, growth remains uneven, he said, calling for innovation, food safety and robust nutrition data to scale up non-bovine dairy. He also emphasized the need for climate-resilient practices ahead of FAO's 2026 International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists.NDDB chairman Meenesh Shah highlighted the role of non-bovine milk in supporting nutrition and livelihoods, particularly for women. He outlined NDDB initiatives in disease control and advanced breeding technologies, citing progress in artificial insemination of goats and camel milk marketing through Amul's Sarhad Dairy.Animal husbandry commissioner Naveena B Maheswarappa said sheep, goat and camel value chains represent low-carbon food systems and called for science-led, cluster-based models with certification and traceability.FAO India representative Takayuki Hagiwara and IDF director general Laurence Rycken underlined the need to strengthen research, market linkages and sustainability to unlock the sector's potential.