International collaboration in dairy research and technological advancements.

A high-level delegation from New Zealand recently visited GB Pant University of Agriculture and Technology (GBPUAT) in Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, to foster international collaboration in dairy research and technological advancements. The visit was part of New Zealand’s Dairy Cooperation Programme, aimed at strengthening research ties and promoting sustainable dairy farming practices in India.

The delegation included Professor Garry Udy, Specialist Advisor to the New Zealand Ministry of Primary Industries and Professor at the School of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University, New Zealand, and Professor Nicolas Lopez-Villalobos, Professor in the School of Agriculture and Environment and Co-Director of the A.L. Rae Centre for Genetics, Massey University, New Zealand. The visit also saw participation from representatives of the Ministry of Animal Husbandry, Government of Uttarakhand, emphasizing the state’s commitment to dairy sector growth through global partnerships.

Objectives of the Visit

The primary objective of the delegation was to explore potential avenues of collaboration between India and New Zealand in dairy research and development. New Zealand is known for its world-class dairy industry, which excels in areas such as genetic improvement, precision farming, and greenhouse gas mitigation. By sharing expertise, the delegation aimed to support India’s dairy industry in improving productivity and sustainability.

Key focus areas of the visit included:

• Strengthening research collaborations between GBPUAT and Massey University.
• Exploring student and faculty exchange programmes to enhance global exposure.
• Discussing the feasibility of dual degree programmes in dairy science and agriculture.
• Promoting sustainable dairy farming practices to address environmental challenges.

Inspection of Dairy Projects at GBPUAT

As part of their visit, the delegation toured the Academic Dairy Farm at Nagla, a premier facility under GBPUAT, where they assessed various ongoing dairy projects. They inspected advanced dairy management techniques being implemented at the farm and interacted with researchers and students.

The discussions focused on:

• Scientific breeding strategies for improving dairy cattle genetics.
• Nutritional advancements to enhance milk productivity.
• Disease management techniques to reduce livestock mortality.
• Climate-resilient dairy farming to mitigate environmental impact.

Their visit provided valuable insights into the existing dairy research initiatives at GBPUAT and offered suggestions for integrating advanced New Zealand dairy practices into Indian dairy farming.

Collaborative Discussions on Research & Sustainability

Following the field visit, a high-level meeting was held between the New Zealand delegation, senior faculty members of GBPUAT, and officials from the Ministry of Animal Husbandry, Uttarakhand. The meeting covered several key topics:

• Genetic Improvement of Dairy Cattle: New Zealand is renowned for its expertise in cattle genetics. Discussions focused on applying these methods to enhance milk yield, disease resistance, and overall productivity in Indian dairy cattle.
• Sustainable Dairy Practices: The delegation shared insights on reducing the carbon footprint of dairy farming by implementing energy-efficient and eco-friendly technologies.
• Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions: With methane emissions from cattle being a significant concern, New Zealand’s successful methane reduction strategies were discussed for possible adoption in India.

Student & Faculty Exchange, Dual Degree Programmes

A key highlight of the visit was the proposal to establish student and faculty exchange programmes between GBPUAT and Massey University. These initiatives would provide students and researchers from both nations with international exposure, hands-on training, and opportunities to participate in collaborative research.

Additionally, discussions were held regarding the introduction of dual degree programmes in dairy science, agricultural genetics, and animal husbandry. These programs aim to:

• Provide Indian students with access to world-class agricultural education.
• Promote international knowledge exchange between faculty members.
• Create opportunities for joint research projects on emerging dairy technologies.

The collaboration is expected to significantly benefit GBPUAT students and faculty by giving them access to cutting-edge dairy technologies and global best practices.

Potential Impact on the Indian Dairy Industry

India is the world’s largest producer of milk, yet challenges such as low per-animal productivity, high production costs, and environmental concerns persist. Learning from New Zealand’s efficient dairy management strategies could greatly enhance India’s dairy sector.

Some of the expected benefits of this Indo-New Zealand collaboration include:

• Enhanced Dairy Productivity: Advanced breeding and nutrition techniques could help boost milk yield and cattle health.
• Economic Growth for Dairy Farmers: Adoption of modern dairy farming methods could lead to higher income levels for Indian dairy farmers.
• Sustainable Dairy Farming: By reducing methane emissions and adopting climate-smart practices, the environmental impact of dairy farming can be minimized.
• Empowerment through Education: Student and faculty exchange programs will enhance global learning opportunities for Indian students and researchers.

End Note

The visit of the New Zealand delegation to GBPUAT marks a significant step towards international cooperation in dairy research. The discussions and proposals for student exchange, research partnerships, and dual-degree programs are expected to pave the way for future collaborations between the two nations.

With New Zealand’s expertise in genetic improvement, climate-friendly dairy farming, and sustainable agriculture, and India’s potential as a global dairy leader, this partnership holds promise for transforming India’s dairy sector into a more productive and environmentally sustainable industry.

As the collaboration progresses, it is expected to bring substantial benefits to farmers, researchers, and students, ultimately contributing to India’s goal of achieving self-sufficiency and sustainability in the dairy industry.