Context: This article is based on an Editorial “Homegrown benefit: Why ‘desi’ should be the catchword for India’s dairy sector” which was published in the Down to Earth. To ensure the profitability and sustainability of the Indian dairy sector, there is a need to transition from exotic and crossbred cattle to the indigenous cattle breeds of India. 

Indigenous Cattle Breeds of India

• India has 50 Indigenous Bovine Breeds (37 Cattle and 13 Buffaloes). 
  • Milch Breeds: Specifically raised for milk production. 
    • Examples: Sahiwal, Gir, Red Sindhi, Tharparkar and Rathi. 
  • Milch and Draught Breeds: Draught cattle are employed for heavy labor purposes, aiding in agricultural activities such as plowing and transportation. 
    • Examples: Kankrej, Ongole, and Hariana.
• Specialty of Indian Cows:
  • Hump: It is an exclusive characteristic of the Indian Desi bulls and cows and facilitates them to carry loads without effort, while the foreign breeds do not have a hump.
  • Dewlap: It is a fold of loose skin hanging from the neck of an animal. The Indigenous Cattle have a high heat resistance from their extensive Dewlaps.
  • Dung: The dung of Indian breeds of cows is used in agriculture, medicine, etc., whereas the dung of foreign breeds is of no use.

Must Read: Credit Guarantee Scheme for Livestock Sector

Indigenous Cattle Breeds of India: Why They Are Preferred to Exotic Breeds?: Reasons

• Affordability: Indigenous cattle breeds of India are easy to afford while purchase and maintenance of exotic or crossbred cattle are expensive. 
• Adaptability: According to CSE, the exotic breeds, adapted to temperate regions, struggle in heat and humidity, while native animals exhibit heat tolerance, disease resistance, and ability to thrive in extreme climates.
• Disease Resistance: According to a study published in the Asian Journal of Dairy and Food Research in 2023, indigenous breeds of India are renowned for their resistance to illnesses including vector-borne trypanosomiasis, tick-borne babesiosis, and theileriosis.  
• Long-Term Gains: Unlike indigenous breeds, the production of crossbreds drops quickly for crossbreds as they lose the improved function due to cross-breeding. 
• Less Methane Emission: According to the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change’s Third Biennial Update Report (BUR), the emission of methane in indigenous dairy cattle is much less compared to exotic castles. 
• Inclusive Development: Promoting indigenous breeds supports the livelihoods of small and marginal farmers who may not have the resources to manage exotic breeds effectively. 
• Cultural and Social Importance: As many communities value and prefer the use of indigenous breeds for various agricultural and religious practices.

Indigenous Cattle Breeds of India: Challenges associated with them

• Low Milk Productivity of indigenous breeds compared to exotic breeds.
• Limited Access to Technology by Small and Marginal Farmers, which can hinder the improvement of indigenous breeds’ genetic potential and overall productivity. 
• Shifting consumer preferences for products from indigenous breeds can be a challenge.
• Declining Population, as per the National Breed-wise Census, populations of some breeds like Tharparkar, Sahiwal, etc. require attention while Punganur and Vechur are under extinction.
• Shortage of Germplasm in indigenous cattle breeds. Of the 37 indigenous cattle breeds known for milk production, the semen stations provide germplasm for only nine breeds.

Way Forward to Promote Indigenous Cattle Breeds in India

• Improving Product Demand: The demand for desi cow’s milk is rising. Establishing milk cooperatives to promote desi cow milk could improve demand. 
• Awareness and Education: To highlight indigenous breeds’ benefits and products. 
• Research and Development: To improve productivity, disease resistance, and other desirable traits of indigenous cattle.
• Livestock Extension Services: To provide farmers with the necessary knowledge and skills for the management and breeding of indigenous cattle. 
• Indigenous Breeds in Dairy Development Programs: To ensure that indigenous breeds would receive equal attention and support as exotic breeds.
• Financial Assistance to Adopters: Financial incentives and subsidies should be provided to farmers who adopt or maintain indigenous breeds.

Conclusion:

Promoting indigenous breeds for the Indian dairy sector is important because they are affordable, well-adapted to the climate, resistant to diseases, and support the livelihoods of small farmers, ensuring a sustainable and culturally valuable future for the dairy sector.