Climate Change Reduces Milk Yield in Haryana’s Buffaloes, Study Finds

A study published in 2024 has found that rising temperatures and humidity in Haryana’s trans-Gangetic plains have caused a significant decline in milk production among buffaloes, a key dairy species in northern India. The research, conducted by scientists from ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute and other institutions, analyzed data from 1,148 villages between 2004 and 2019. It revealed that milk yield dropped sharply during July and August when temperatures exceeded 38C and humidity surpassed 70%. These conditions triggered heat stress, reducing feed intake, increasing panting and sweating, and disrupting milk ejection due to elevated cortisol levels.

The study examined 35.56 million buffaloes, 2.86 million indigenous cattle, and 4.66 million cross-bred cattle. Buffaloes, with dark skin and limited sweat glands, were most affected — a 1 mm/day rise in potential evapotranspiration reduced milk output by 1.4 litres per buffalo daily. Cross-bred cattle also showed reduced productivity during heatwaves, but indigenous breeds like Sahiwal and Hariana maintained performance due to better heat tolerance, efficient sweating, and stronger immunity. Factors such as solar radiation, vapour pressure, and seasonal fodder scarcity further worsened the impact.

The findings indicate that climate change could cause a loss of 3.2 million tonnes of milk annually in India, valued at ₹2,661 crore. Projections suggest this could rise to 15 million tonnes by the 2050s. The study highlights that farmers in Haryana have adopted adaptive practices like wallowing ponds, agroforestry, shaded sheds, and misting systems to reduce heat stress. Experts recommend prioritizing thermo-tolerant breeding using indigenous Bos indicus traits to build long-term resilience in dairy farming.

India, the world’s largest milk producer, relies heavily on smallholder farmers — 80 million of whom contribute 85% of total milk output. Climate-induced yield losses threaten both rural livelihoods and national food security. The National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources has identified genetic markers for heat tolerance, including coat colour and heat shock proteins, which can guide future breeding programs.

The research underscores the urgent need for climate-resilient dairy policies, including investment in heat-tolerant breeds, improved feed management, and farmer training on heat-stress mitigation. These measures are critical to sustaining India’s dairy economy and ensuring nutrition security for millions.