India’s first IDF Regional Dairy Conference Asia Pacific 2024 to be hosted in Kochi

Kochi: The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Government of India; the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) and the International Dairy Federation (IDF) are jointly organizing the First IDF Regional Dairy Conference Asia Pacific 2024 during 26-28 June, 2024 in Kochi, Kerala.

After the resounding success of the IDF World Dairy Summit 2022 in New Delhi, IDF has agreed to organise this regional dairy conference in addition to the Global Summits organized by IDF every year. It is a matter of great pride that India will be the first country to organise such a regional conference with a focus on the Asia Pacific Region. The prestigious event will be held at the Grand Hyatt Bolgatty, Kochi.

The 3-day conference, themed “Farmer Centric Innovations in Dairying” will feature insightful deliberations bringing together leaders and experts from the global dairy sector. The goal is to collectively address key issues affecting the dairy sector, particularly in the Asia Pacific region and globally.

Dr Meenesh Shah, Chairman, NDDB said that the sessions promise to showcase global and regional perspectives on dairy farming and innovation. Focused on interventions that prioritize farmers, these sessions will explore ways to enhance productivity, ensure transparency in milk aggregation & promote sustainable practices. From addressing climate challenges to advocating for One Health principles, these discussions will spark meaningful dialogue and provide actionable insights. The deliberations will also unveil innovative marketing approaches aimed at fostering growth and resilience in the dairy industry across the Asia-Pacific region.

Chairman, NDDB mentioned that this conference will deliberate on contemporary challenges in dairying and help find solutions through the exchange of ideas and innovations. Representatives from leading Global and Indian institutions, as well as pioneers in the dairy industry, will share some of the best technologies and research in dairying. India, as the largest milk producing nation in the world and the host of the event, has a great opportunity to draw the attention of the international dairy community to the Asia-Pacific Region. The event aims to develop effective dairy policies in the region to ensure sustainable livelihoods for millions of dairy farmers, provide nutritional security for consumers, promote growth in the dairy sector and find ways to minimise the environmental impact of dairying.

More than 1,000 delegates and participants from over 20 countries will be taking part in this event. The conference will have the honour of hosting eminent speakers from prestigious institutions in India and abroad, including IDF, Global Sustainability Framework, University of Connecticut, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, International Livestock Research Institute, FAO, Dairy Asia, Mongol Bactrian Association, Dairy Companies Associations of New Zealand, Dairy New Zealand, FOSS, Livestock Development Department Thailand, Government of India, State Governments, Dairy Federations & Milk Unions, ICAR, RBI, The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), Indian Dairy Association, Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation ( GCMMF), MILMA, MDFVPL, Private Dairies, NDDB and its subsidiaries among others.

There will also be an exhibition, where leading companies and start-ups will showcase transformative products, cutting-edge technologies and services that are shaping the dairy industry. Following India’s tradition of “Atithi Devo Bhavah”,cultural events will be organised alongside the main event and exhibition. This will provide participants, especially foreign delegates, with the opportunity to experience Kerala’s vibrant culture through traditional foods, visits to local heritage sites and traditional events that truly embrace the region’s natural beauty and culture.

The IDF has been uniting the global dairy community since its inception in the year 1903. Committed to scientific rigor and technical expertise, IDF pioneered the path in promoting sustainable and safe dairy practices, shaping policies, standards and regulations worldwide. The IDF remains dedicated to its mission, constantly improving and advancing regulatory environments to meet the evolving needs of the dairy industry. With the IDF at the forefront, the world can have confidence in integrity, safety and sustainability of dairy products, ensuring a brighter and healthier future for generations to come. India is represented in IDF by the Indian National Committee (INC) comprising representatives from Government, National Institutions, Academia and Industry. The Secretary, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Government of India is the President of the INC IDF and Chairman & Managing Director, NDDB is its member secretary. NDDB, as its Secretariat, coordinates the activities of the INC-IDF. Chairman, NDDB is also on the board of IDF.