Published Paper Details:

India's dairy sector stands as a cornerstone of rural livelihood and agricultural resilience, contributing over 23% to global milk production and engaging more than 80 million rural households. Beyond its economic significance, the sector plays a vital role in ensuring food and nutritional security, especially through the daily consumption of affordable dairy products. Despite remarkable growth since the mid-20th century--driven by initiatives such as Operation Flood and the rise of dairy cooperatives--the sector faces persistent structural and ecological challenges. These include low milk yields from indigenous breeds, chronic feed and fodder shortages, inadequate veterinary infrastructure, climate change-induced stress, and limited access to financial and institutional resources. Furthermore, regional disparities and gender inequities continue to undermine the inclusive potential of dairy development. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the Indian dairy sector, emphasizing its socio-economic importance, identifying prevailing constraints, and exploring sustainable strategies. Particular attention is given to the role of women in dairying, the impacts of climate variability, technological innovations such as artificial insemination and digital extension platforms, and the role of cooperatives in equitable market access. The paper argues for a paradigm shift towards value-added, climate-smart, and inclusive dairy practices, supported by unified policies and robust public-private partnerships. By addressing these multifaceted challenges through an integrated approach, the Indian dairy sector can evolve into a model of sustainable rural transformation.