. The Problem
India is the world’s largest producer and consumer of milk, owing to its massive cattle population. However, milk productivity is one of the lowest in the world, mainly due to fodder shortage and lack of preservation techniques. India is home to more than 30 crore cattle, and more than 50% of them suffer from severe starvation. Reports suggest the current deficit in fodder availability is about 50%. The Ministry of Animal Husbandry was formed only in 2019, suggesting the sector has long been neglected.