Archive · 3 Aug 2026
Heat Stress Threatens India's Milk Production and Farmers
India makes the most milk in the world, about 248 million tonnes this year.
But the country is getting hotter, and the heat makes cows feel sick.
When cows are too hot, they drink more water, eat less, and produce less milk.
This hurts farmers’ incomes and can even kill some cows.
Scientists say the loss could be 360,000 to 380,000 tonnes of milk each year, worth about 1,200 crore rupees.
To help, people are building better shelters, using breeds that can handle heat, giving cows better food, and using weather alerts to warn farmers about heat waves.
India produced 248 million tonnes of milk in 2024‑25, about one‑quarter of global output.
Heat stress from rising temperatures and humidity reduces milk yield, fertility, and increases disease and mortality.
Major milk‑producing states—Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh—face frequent thermal stress.
Estimated annual milk loss is 361,000–377,000 tonnes, costing roughly ₹1,200 crore, with global studies showing up to a 10% drop.
Adaptation measures include climate‑resilient shelters, heat‑tolerant breeds, improved nutrition, water security, and weather‑based advisory systems.
- Who
- Indian dairy farmers (≈80 million)
- What
- Heat stress reducing milk yield, fertility, and increasing disease and mortality in cattle
- When
- Current and projected future climate conditions (2024‑25 and beyond)
- Where
- India, especially Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh
- Why
- Rising temperatures and humidity impair cattle’s ability to dissipate heat, lowering productivity
- Milk production 2024-25
- 248 million tonnes
- Share of global output
- ≈25%
- Estimated annual milk loss
- 361,000–377,000 tonnes
- Estimated economic loss
- ₹1,200 crore
- Major affected states
- Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh