Import of bull semen from Brazil
In a groundbreaking move, India recently imported 40,000 doses of bullSemen from Brazil, marking the first instance of such imports aimed at enhancing milk production through artificial insemination. The National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), a government-owned cooperative overseeing the Mother Dairy brand, initiated this effort to increase the population of Indian native breeds, particularly the Gir and Kankrej, to boost their milk output.
Commencement of the Process
This significant step began in January after three to four years of discussions and negotiations. Angelo de Queiroz Mauricio, the agricultural attaché at Brazil’s embassy in New Delhi, acknowledged the challenges faced during discussions but highlighted the successful resolution that led to the import.
The Importance of the Development
This move holds substantial importance as the Indian government has set a target to produce 330 million tonnes of milk annually by FY34. In FY23, India produced 230.6 million tonnes of milk, showing a 3.8% increase from the previous year and a substantial 22.8% rise from FY19. Being the world’s largest milk producer, contributing 24% to global output, India recognizes the necessity to boost production to meet the rising demand.
Leveraging Brazilian Genetics
The NDDB plans to use the imported doses in an ongoing research project, aiming to introduce animals with Brazilian genetics capable of producing over 80 litres of milk per animal. Mauricio emphasized the contrast with the current Indian average of eight litres, noting that some Brazilian animals can produce up to 40 litres of milk, with an average of 20-22 litres per animal.
Overcoming Challenges
The decision to import Brazilian-bull-semen faced strong resistance over the past four years from indigenous cow breeders expressing concerns about potential harm to Indian breeds. Previous attempts in 2017 to import frozen semen from Brazil were postponed due to objections from cattle breeders. The Gir breed, originating in India and later gifted to Brazil, has become a high milk-producing breed in South America, with the country preserving the original Gir cow breed.
Collaboration Between India and Brazil
India and Brazil, strategic partners since 2006, share a close relationship across various forums, including Brics, BASIC, G-20, G-4, IBSA, International Solar Alliance, UN, WTO, Unesco, and WIPO. The bilateral trade relationship has steadily grown, reaching $15.2 billion in FY22, with a target of increasing two-way trade to $50 billion by 2030. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the two governments, established in 20 among others, focuses on the development of animal husbandry, particularly in the dairy sector.
Under this umbrella agreement, a joint declaration between the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply of Brazil (MAPA) and the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, India (DAHD) streamlines the collaboration. Commercial contracts between Indian buyers and Brazilian sellers further facilitate the implementation of these collaborative efforts.
A Milestone in the Dairy Industry
In conclusion, India’s historic import of Brazilian bull semen marks a significant step towards revolutionizing its dairy industry. Overcoming challenges and embracing international collaborations, India aims to address the growing demand for milk by enhancing production. This move not only reflects the commitment to technological advancements but also emphasizes the importance of global cooperation in achieving agricultural goals.
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