Understanding the Operations of the Indian Dairy Industry- A Case Study

Background: Dairy industry is one of the largest and fastest growing industry in the world. This industry faces challenges regarding lack of quality and low productivity. Large amount of fresh water is consumed and wastewater is generated in this industry. Methods: To study about the functioning, operations, management and consumption of resources in the Indian dairy industry, three dairies situated in major cities of Maharashtra, India- Dairy A in Jalgaon, Dairy B in Pune and Dairy C in Mumbai are selected. Site visits and interviews are done to collect the extensive and holistic in-time data. Result: Large quantity of milk is processed and various milk products are manufactured in each of these dairies. Fresh water consumed by different dairies varies between 5-6 LLPD. Enormous amount of wastewater is generated at the different stages in the milk processing and at various sources such as at milk receiving stations, in manufacturing of milk products and in cleaning and washing of equipment, tankers and floors. Average 900 KW/ day of energy is spent for the effluent treatment in these dairies. Dairy A and B uses briquettes as an alternative energy source for the boiler while dairy C adapts solar as alternative technology. Minimisation of waste and utilisation and recovery from the waste can certainly help to improve productivity and reduce environmental footprint along with the growth and progress of this industry as well as country’s economy.