Temperature rise to hit milk production in State: expert

Increasing atmospheric temperatures is affecting production and productivity in dairying. Substantial reductions in milk production affect sustainability of the sector, which has more than 70 % women involvement.

“On an average, the temperature increase of one degree Celsius will reduce milk production by 5– 10 %. It is estimated that milk production in the State has been reduced to 30 % when compared to the presummer period,” says Dr.T.P. Sethumadhavan, former Director, Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University.

Scorching sunlight, climate change, increased land pressure, scarcity of water, etc. make the situation worse.

“Usually, farmers get less than 10 % return on investment through dairying when compared to other enterprises if they are selling fluid milk directly to cooperatives. But those trying to market milk directly may get up to a 20% return on investment. But drastic reductions in production started affecting sustainable dairy production in the State. A 30% reduction in milk production may cause a monthly loss of ₹250 crore to the dairy sector in the State,” noted Dr. Sethumadhavan.

Farmers need to follow scientific summer management practices. This includes the supply of ample water throughout the day, facilitating ventilation in the cattle shed, providing mist systems and fans, clean milk production practices, measures to sprinkle water over the animal 3–4 times daily, and provisions for making green fodder available or supplementing vitamin A regularly, he suggested.