The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) participated in the first International Dairy Federation Regional Dairy Conference in Asia Pacific, held in Kochi from 26 to 28 June 2024. Organized by the International Dairy Federation in collaboration with the National Dairy Development Board and the Ministry of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, the conference focused on farmer-centric innovations in dairying.

Takayuki Hagiwara, FAO Representative in India, during his inaugural address, highlighted the FAO Strategic Framework 2022-2031, which recognizes the immense potential of science, technology and innovation. He emphasized FAO's unique position as a specialized UN agency and facilitator of intergovernmental processes in promoting innovations and sustainable practices in dairy farming. He also discussed improving dairy value chains, promoting fair trade practices and enhancing the livelihoods of dairy farmers and their communities. He reaffirmed FAO’s commitment to supporting the government, offering technical expertise, capacity building, knowledge dissemination and policy formulation assistance to foster sustainable livestock food systems in the Asia Pacific.

During the three-day conference, FAO in collaboration with the International Dairy Federation (IDF) and the National Dairy Development Board, organized a joint side event to address challenges in dairy production and facilitate collaboration for the sector's sustainable transformation. The objective of this session was to showcase livestock production innovations that contribute to sustainability, demonstrate their approach to addressing interconnected challenges, and explore how collaboration between FAO and IDF can further promote these innovations.

As the largest producer of milk globally, India's role in pioneering sustainable dairy practices is crucial. FAO's active participation in this conference underscores its dedication to driving innovation and sustainability in the dairy sector. By continuing to support and collaborate with industry stakeholders, FAO aims to enhance dairy farming practices, ensuring a resilient and prosperous future for dairy farmers and their communities across the Asia Pacific region.

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Photo credit: NDDB