India’s dairy industry stands as a cornerstone of the nation’s agricultural economy, contributing significantly to rural livelihoods, nutritional security and overall economic development. As the largest milk producer in the world, India produced 239.30 million tons (MT) of milk, accounting for approximately 25.00 per cent of global milk production in 2023-24 (
BAHS, 2024;
Dairy dimension, 2025). The sector is deeply integrated into the rural economy, with millions of small-scale dairy farmers forming its backbone (
Indian dairyman, 2024).
In 2024, the Indian dairy market was valued at INR 18,975 billion and is projected to grow at a robust 12.35 per cent compound annual growth rate (CAGR), reaching INR 57,001.81 billion by 2033 (
IMARC, 2025). In India, approximately 37.00 per cent of milk produced is either consumed at the producer level or sold to non-producers in rural areas; the remaining 63.00 per cent is available for sale to organized and unorganized players (
DAHD, 2024).
The demand for dairy products in India is driven by multiple factors: population growth, urbanization, increasing per capita income, advancements in cold chain infrastructure and the rise of organized retail and e-commerce platforms (
Williams, 2024). The dairy sector plays a vital role in India’s GDP, contributing 5.00 per cent to the agricultural GDP and ensuring food security for the population (
DAHD, 2024). With per capita milk availability at 471 g per day, the industry not only meets domestic demand but also positions India as a key player in the global dairy market (
CEIC database, 2024;
DADH, 2024).
Despite being the largest milk producer globally, the dairy industry faces several systemic challenges that hinder its growth and sustainability. Low productivity remains a pressing issue as indigenous breeds of dairy animals yield significantly less milk compared to international standards, largely due to inadequate nutrition, poor genetic potential and limited veterinary care (
Banerjee, 2023;
Roy and Chaturvedani, 2024). Operational inefficiencies further exacerbate the situation with a predominantly unorganized sector where small-scale farmers lack access to modern infrastructure, adequate knowledge and empowerment to seek government services or take advantage of market opportunities. Insufficient cold storage and inefficient supply chains also lead to significant post-production losses and price volatility (
NDDB, 2023).
Sustainability presents another critical concern, as environmental issues such as scarcity of fodder and water, climate change and methane emissions from buffaloes - which contribute nearly 45.00 per cent of milk production - pose significant threats (
NDDB, 2023;
Wijerathna and Pathirana, 2022). Unsustainable practices including overgrazing and inadequate waste management further jeopardize long-term viability (
Banerjee, 2023). Addressing these challenges requires a multi-pronged approach including genetic improvement programs, capacity development, infrastructure development (particularly cold chains), adoption of eco-friendly practices and enhanced policy support to empower small-scale farmers (
Basaragi and Kadam, 2024;
NDDB, 2024). These efforts are crucial for ensuring sustainable growth and securing the sector’s contribution to rural livelihoods and the Indian economy.
India’s dairy industry is now poised for a remarkable transformation, fuelled by the ambitious National Digital Livestock Mission as detailed in the Indian Dairy Association publication. This initiative leverages artificial intelligence (AI) to revolutionize traditional practices, aiming to enhance animal productivity, ensure food security and promote sustainable growth. By harnessing the power of data analytics and cutting-edge technologies, AI opens up new horizons for dairy farmers unlocking unprecedented efficiencies, optimizing operations and paving the way for a brighter, more resilient future. As the industry embraces this technological leap, it positions itself as a global leader in sustainable agriculture (
Joshi, 2023).
Artificial Intelligence is emerging as a transformative force across all sectors in India, including the dairy industry, addressing critical challenges in productivity, efficiency and sustainability. By leveraging advanced technologies such as machine learning (ML), deep learning (DL), predictive analytics and IoT-enabled devices, AI empowers farmers with real-time insights into cattle health, milk quality and feed optimization
(Oliviera et al., 2021; Fuentes et al., 2022; Shine and Murphy, 2022;
Bello and Moradeyo, 2023;
Wang et al., 2025; Tamanna, 2025).
According to
Dollons food products (2024) and
Dairy dimension (2025), AI has already shown significant promise in improving efficiency and sustainability in dairy farming. For instance, AI-powered sensors and smart collars facilitate continuous monitoring of cattle behavior, enabling early detection of estrus and signs of diseases while optimizing feeding strategies, significantly reducing health expenses and improving milk yield (
Neethirajan, 2020;
Kumar and Singh, 2020). Additionally, AI enhances supply chain efficiency by optimizing inventory management, distribution routes and demand forecasting, thereby minimizing wastage and transportation costs (
NDDB, 2024;
Dollons, 2024). These innovations not only boost profitability but also promote eco-friendly practices, making the dairy sector more sustainable and resilient. As India continues to embrace AI-driven solutions, the dairy industry is poised for a technological revolution that will strengthen its contribution to the economy and rural livelihoods (
FAS, 2024).
Current status of dairy farming in india
India is the largest milk producer globally with total milk production of approximately 239.30 million tons, contributing around 25.00 per cent to global milk production. Small-scale farmers play a pivotal role in this achievement, contributing nearly 60.00 per cent of total milk production (
FAS, 2024;
IMARC, 2025). These farmers, typically owning 2-5 cattle, depend on traditional methods and cooperative networks for milk collection and distribution. Although India’s per capita milk availability underscores the sector’s vital role in nutritional security, numerous challenges hinder the growth and sustainability of conventional dairy practices. Small-scale farmers often face low productivity due to the genetic limitations of indigenous breeds, inadequate nutrition, limited access to veterinary care and minimal investment in farm knowledge. Additionally, resource constraints such as outdated infrastructure, poor cold chain facilities and inefficient supply chains lead to significant post-harvest losses and market instability.
Another critical issue affecting milk quality is adulteration with a wide variety of common adulterants such as water, carbohydrate solutions, detergents, neutralizers and synthetic milk substitutes like melamine, which pose widespread and significant health risks for Indian consumers
(Tiwari et al., 2013; Reddy et al., 2017). To address this issue, current guidelines include adoption of rapid enzyme-based or strip testing kits to ensure authenticity of milk at the farm level and during transportation, strengthening regulatory oversight, increasing awareness among farmers and consumers and implementing strict penal actions against adulterators (
FSSAI, 2021;
DADH, 2024). AI-mediated control plays a growing role in addressing milk adulteration issues by enhancing the accuracy, speed and efficiency of detecting adulterants, ensuring safer milk quality for consumers (
Lal and Singh, 2021;
Sharma and Kumar, 2022;
DAHD, 2024).
Environmental issues like fodder and water shortages, methane emissions from buffaloes and climate change further threaten the sector’s sustainability. To combat these challenges, innovative technologies are being introduced. IoT-enabled devices and smart sensors now monitor cattle health, optimize feeding and facilitate early disease detection
(Yu et al., 2024). Automated milking systems enhance operational efficiency and reduce reliance on manual labour
(Lee et al., 2020). Blockchain technology ensures transparency and traceability, maintaining milk quality across the supply chain (
Alshehri, 2023). Ultra-high temperature (UHT) processing extends milk shelf life, reducing waste, while GPS-enabled chilling units and refined logistics help minimize spoilage and improve distribution efficiency (
Pathak and Rathore, 2023a;
FAS, 2024).
Role of artificial intelligence in dairy farming
AI is paving the way for a smarter, more resilient dairy industry, ensuring economic growth and environmental sustainability (
Kumar and Singh, 2020;
Morrone et al., 2022; Kumar and Patel, 2023). It encompasses a range of transformative technologies that are reshaping industries, including dairy farming. One notable initiative leveraging these technologies is the Dairy Brain Project by the University of Wisconsin-Madison. This project aims to create a “Virtual Dairy Farm Brain” by integrating real-time data streams from dairy farms into a centralized system. The Dairy Brain uses advanced data analytics and IoT-enabled devices to monitor cow health, feed efficiency, milk production and environmental factors. By providing predictive insights and decision-making tools, the project helps farmers optimize operations, reduce costs and enhance sustainability (
Patel and Sharma, 2022).
Benefits of AI in improving productivity, reducing costs and enhancing sustainability
Integration of AI into farming has transformed operations, delivering remarkable advancements in management efficiency, animal health, economic performance and sustainability
(Zhang et al., 2022; Li et al., 2023a). By harnessing AI technologies, farms can address long-standing challenges and embrace innovative solutions for growth (
Choyal, 2023;
Min et al., 2024; Jeevanandam, 2024;
Cabrera, 2025).
Improved farm management
AI revolutionizes dairy management by optimizing feed efficiency, improving reproductive outcomes
(Li et al., 2023b) and enhancing animal health monitoring. AI systems analyze data on feed consumption and milk output to develop cost-effective feeding strategies that maintain both animal health and milk quality (
Barrientos-Blanco et al., 2020;
Chelotti et al., 2023; Pan et al., 2023a). Predictive analytics forecast milk yields with high accuracy and refine breeding protocols, ensuring maximum productivity and profitability
(Lee et al., 2020; Zhang et al., 2024). Moreover, continuous health monitoring using AI enables early detection of illnesses or stress, empowering farm managers to intervene promptly and mitigate potential losses (
Sharma and Rajput, 2024). This proactive approach promotes animal welfare and secures consistent production (
Fadul-Pachero et al., 2021;
Shine and Murphy, 2022;
Zhang et al., 2022).
Enhanced operational efficiency
AI streamlines farm operations by automating data-intensive tasks, reducing the workload on farm staff and enabling more informed decisions
(Sharma et al., 2020; Pan et al., 2023b; Aharwal et al., 2023). By managing feed timing and quantities, AI ensures optimal milk production per feed unit while minimizing waste
(Tassinari et al., 2021; Chelotti et al., 2023; King et al., 2024). Barrientos-Blanco et al. (2020) demonstrated that optimizing diet accuracy through AI reduced feed costs by $31 per cow annually and lowered nitrogen excretion by 5.50 kg per cow per year. These improvements, achieved through precise grouping and tailored diets, demonstrate both economic and environmental gains facilitated by data-driven management practices (
Barrientos-Blanco et al., 2020;
Pathak and Rathore, 2023b).
Proactive animal health monitoring
AI-powered monitoring systems identify subtle changes in animal behavior or physiology that may indicate health issues by analyzing integrated farm data in real-time (
Smith and Lee, 2022). Machine learning algorithms predict diseases like mastitis with up to 72.00 per cent accuracy (
Fadul-Pachero et al., 2021), allowing timely medical intervention, preventing minor ailments from escalating and reducing veterinary costs
(Johnson et al., 2021). Integrated AI-wearable sensors facilitate consistent health monitoring, support animal welfare, ensure high-quality milk production and mitigate the economic impacts of disease outbreaks (
Wang and Zhang, 2021;
Ding et al., 2025).
Economic advantages
AI solutions significantly enhance farm profitability by improving efficiency and herd health while reducing costs (
Kumar and Patel, 2023). Accurate predictions of breeding cycles and lactation peaks optimize productivity, boosting financial returns
(Zhao et al., 2022; Pan et al., 2023a). For example,
Li et al., (2023b) found that minor adjustments in reproductive management based on AI-driven insights could increase profitability by up to $30 per cow annually
(Martinez et al., 2023). These small yet impactful changes demonstrate the financial value of data-informed strategies in maintaining a competitive edge in fluctuating market conditions
(Garcia et al., 2021).
Sustainability and environmental impact
AI fosters sustainability in dairy farming by promoting efficient resource use, minimizing waste and reducing environmental footprints
(Johnson et al., 2021). AI systems enable precise water and energy management, lower methane emissions through optimized feeding practices and support waste recycling
(Altshuler et al., 2025). Walker et al., (2023) showcased how AI-enabled practices align with environmental regulations while appealing to eco-conscious consumers. Adopting these technologies positions farms to meet sustainability standards and enhance their competitiveness in an increasingly demanding market.
Case studies and success stories in ai implementation: indian scenario
The press Information bureau underscores the importance of programs initiated by the Government of India, such as the Rashtriya Gokul Mission, which focuses on development and conservation of indigenous breeds and genetic upgradation of bovine populations to support rural farmers and advance tech-driven solutions (
NDDB, 2024). The following case studies highlight the transformative impact of AI on Indian dairy farms, showcasing its potential to modernize operations, enhance productivity and ensure sustainable growth.
Amul cooperative: AI-driven quality control and supply chain management
One notable example of AI integration in Indian dairy farming is the Amul Cooperative, which has embraced AI technologies to optimize production, quality control and supply chain management. Amul uses predictive analytics to forecast milk production volumes and manage inventory levels effectively, reducing waste and ensuring consistent product availability. Additionally, AI-powered computer vision systems monitor milk quality during processing, detecting anomalies in texture and consistency to maintain high standards (
Sharma and Kumar, 2022;
AI and AMUL, 2024). This integration has enabled Amul to maintain its position as India’s leading dairy cooperative while ensuring product quality and operational efficiency.
Precision agriculture in rajasthan: Empowering small-scale farmers
Another success story is the adoption of AI-driven precision agriculture by small-scale farmers in Rajasthan. AI tools analyze data from IoT sensors to optimize feed management and reproductive performance, resulting in increased milk yields and improved herd health (
Pathak and Rathore, 2023b). These technologies have empowered farmers to make data-driven decisions, enhancing efficiency and productivity across the dairy value chain. The success in Rajasthan demonstrates that AI technologies can be effectively scaled for small-scale operations, providing a model for other regions.
Bharat pashudhan: National digital infrastructure for livestock management
The cloud-based platform ‘Bharat Pashudhan’, launched by NDDB in collaboration with DADH, serves as a farmer-centric, technology-driven digital infrastructure designed to enhance productivity and health management in India’s animal breeding, nutrition and health sectors. As of March 2024, the platform covers 26 states and 8 union territories, significantly expanding its reach.
A pilot digital livestock census conducted in December 2023 using the Bharat Pashudhan App revealed that 95.50 per cent of the total animal population in Dehradun district had been tagged and verified, with a 100.00 per cent registration rate for bovines. This demonstrated the app’s capability in improving transparency and accountability in livestock management, facilitating effective resource allocation for stray animal management and enhancing animal welfare (
Choudhary and Singh, 2024). The success of Bharat Pashudhan underscores its potential to revolutionize India’s livestock sector, ensuring data-driven decision-making and fostering sustainable agricultural practices (
NDDB, 2023;
NDDB, 2024).
Other national initiatives
Additional initiatives includes the national animal disease reporting system (NADRS) implemented by the department of fisheries, animal husbandry and dairying through the National Informatics Centre, which enables veterinary authorities to closely monitor, control and eradicate animal diseases. The Dairy Information System Kiosk (DISK), developed by IIM Ahmedabad, is a portal that provides information and services in nine Indian languages across six domains including Livestock Development. The system is executed by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), Hyderabad
(Thakur et al., 2023).
Insights into scaling Up production and improving efficiency
AI has proven instrumental in helping Indian farmers scale up production and improve operational efficiency. For instance, robotic milking systems driven by AI provide stress-free milking experiences for cows, leading to higher milk yields and better herd health. These systems automate labor-intensive tasks, allowing farmers to focus on strategic decision-making and reducing dependency on manual labor (
Kumar and Sinha, 2022;
Pathak and Rathore, 2023a).
AI-powered predictive modeling has also optimized inventory management and distribution routes, minimizing transportation costs and wastage (
Patel and Singh, 2023). Farmers using AI-driven health monitoring systems have reported significant reductions in veterinary expenses, as early detection of diseases enables timely interventions (
Ali AlZubi, 2023;
Sharma and Rajput, 2024). These advancements not only boost profitability but also promote sustainability by reducing the environmental footprint of dairy farming (
Dollons, 2024;
Espinoza-Sandoval et al., 2024;
Cabrera, 2025;
Das and Chatterjee, 2025).
Challenges and barriers to AI adoption in dairy farming
High implementation costs
AI systems require substantial investments in hardware, software and ongoing maintenance, which are often financially prohibitive for small and medium-scale farms operating on narrow profit margins (
Verma and Kumar, 2021). The initial capital requirements for sensors, automated systems and data infrastructure can be overwhelming for farmers with limited access to credit or capital.
Lack of awareness and resistance to change
Many farmers, particularly those managing small-scale operations, are unfamiliar with AI technologies or perceive them as complex and intimidating (
Watson and Rahmani, 2025). Fear of disruption to established practices and uncertainty about returns on investment create resistance to adoption. This technological gap is particularly pronounced in rural areas where exposure to advanced technologies is limited.
Data privacy and security concerns
Farmers may worry about ownership and potential misuse of sensitive farm data collected by AI systems, especially when managed by third-party platforms (
Mishra and Patel, 2023). Questions about who owns the data, how it will be used and whether it could be shared with competitors or government agencies create hesitation. Clear data governance frameworks are critical to building trust
(Dwivedi et al., 2023).
Infrastructure limitations
Inadequate digital infrastructure, particularly unreliable internet connectivity in rural areas, poses significant barriers to AI implementation. Without robust connectivity, real-time data transmission and cloud-based analytics become impractical, limiting the effectiveness of AI solutions.
Suggestions for overcoming barriers
Government support and policy interventions
Financial incentives such as subsidies, grants, or cost-sharing programs can help reduce the burden of high implementation costs (
Rao and Sharma, 2020). Policymakers should support research and development tailored to small-scale farming needs, creating specialized funding mechanisms for AI adoption in agriculture
(Hassoun et al., 2023). Tax incentives for technology purchases and low-interest loan programs can further facilitate adoption.
Industry-academia collaboration
Industry-academia partnerships play a vital role in advancing AI adoption in dairy farming by developing innovative and cost-effective hardware and software solutions tailored to the unique needs of both small and large farms (
Reddy and Rao, 2020). This partnership facilitates testing and validation of AI systems within real farming environments, ensuring their practicality, robustness and suitability. Additionally, fostering strong public-private sector collaborations can accelerate the commercialization and wider deployment of AI technologies, making them more accessible and adaptable to the diversity of Indian dairy farms (
Kumar and Singh, 2021).
Comprehensive training and education programs
Workshops, training sessions and extension services can familiarize farmers with AI systems, demonstrating practical benefits and reducing resistance to technology adoption (
Kumar and Singh, 2021;
Zhang et al., 2022). Training programs should be designed in local languages and contextualized to regional farming practices. Demonstration farms and peer learning networks can help farmers see tangible benefits before making investment decisions.
Establishing robust data governance frameworks
Transparent policies ensuring data ownership and privacy can build trust in AI systems. Collaboration with third-party platforms must focus on ethical data handling and user control
(Cue et al., 2021; Mishra and Sharma, 2023). Clear regulations should define data rights, establish consent mechanisms and create accountability for data breaches. Farmers should have control over their data with options to opt-in or opt-out of data-sharing arrangements.
Infrastructure development initiatives
Investments in reliable internet access and compatible digital frameworks are essential for seamless AI integration, especially in rural areas (
Das and Chatterjee, 2024;
Madupati, 2025). Government and private sector partnerships should prioritize expanding broadband infrastructure to agricultural regions. Solar-powered connectivity solutions and offline AI capabilities can bridge gaps in areas with limited infrastructure.
Scaling AI for small farms
AI solutions need to be specifically tailored for small-scale farms to ensure accessibility and adaptability. Financial and technical resources must be allocated to facilitate scalability for diverse farming operations (
Patel and Sharma, 2022). Modular AI systems that can be implemented incrementally, starting with basic functionalities and expanding over time, can make adoption more feasible for resource-constrained farmers.
Future prospects
The future of AI in the dairy industry is poised for significant advancements, with emerging technologies expected to enhance efficiency, productivity and sustainability. AI-driven predictive analytics, robotic milking systems and precision agriculture tools will advance further, enabling farmers to optimize milk yields, monitor animal health in real-time, detect diseases early, reduce losses and streamline supply chain operations (
Reddy and Patel, 2021;
Sharma and Kumar, 2022).
Empowering Small-scale farmers and rural communities
The integration of AI within India’s dairy industry holds immense potential, particularly for small-scale farmers and rural communities, offering solutions to longstanding challenges while enhancing both productivity and sustainability (
Choyal, 2023). AI-powered predictive analytics help farmers make informed decisions regarding breeding cycles, milk production forecasting and resource management, ensuring better financial stability (
Sunil and Rao, 2022).
For rural communities, AI adoption can bridge connectivity gaps by providing real-time insights through mobile applications and smart devices, enabling farmers to manage their operations more efficiently and effectively even in remote areas (
Das and Singh, 2023;
Jeevanandam, 2024). Government initiatives and private-sector investments in AI-driven dairy solutions and innovations are expected to accelerate this transition, making advanced technologies more accessible, affordable and scalable (
CEDSI, 2024).
Furthermore, AI can foster environmental sustainability by optimizing water usage, reducing methane emissions and promoting eco-friendly dairy farming practices, thus ensuring the long-term viability of small-scale farms (
Choyal, 2023;
Chatterjee and Mukherjee, 2024).
Vision for a sustainable and technologically advanced industry
The vision for a sustainable and technologically advanced dairy industry in India revolves around integrating cutting-edge solutions to enhance productivity, efficiency and ecological balance. Initiatives like White Revolution 2.0 emphasize shifting the focus from merely increasing milk volume to improving quality, sustainability and farmer prosperity (
Jain and Verma, 2023;
Panda, 2025). By integrating AI with blockchain and IoT technologies, the sector can achieve greater transparency, traceability and efficiency, paving the way for a more sustainable future (
Sunil and Rao, 2022;
CEDSI, 2024).
Overcoming barriers such as high costs, infrastructure limitations and limited digital literacy will enable AI to empower small-scale farmers with data-driven solutions, fostering economic resilience and improving livelihoods across rural India (
Jain and Verma, 2023).
The National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD), supported by a ₹ 2,790 crore investment, aims to strengthen infrastructure, expand dairy cooperatives and improve rural livelihoods (
Businessworld, 2025). Concurrently, innovations such as AI-enabled genetic improvement, IoT-based tracking systems and climate-resilient feed solutions are being introduced to reduce environmental impacts and increase milk yield (
Sunil and Rao, 2022).
By harnessing these technological advancements, India can create a resilient, transparent and eco-friendly dairy industry that ensures food security, empowers small-scale farmers and aligns with global sustainability goals. The convergence of policy support, technological innovation and stakeholder collaboration will be critical in realizing this vision.