India’s dairy industry is quietly transforming and private players are leading the charge.

In this episode of The Core Report Weekend Edition, Govindraj Ethiraj speaks with dairy industry veteran Rajiv Mitra about the rapid growth of India’s private dairy sector, which now handles half the country’s milk. From trade policy tensions with the US and UK to the challenges of exporting value-added dairy products like paneer, cheese, and yoghurt, this episode unpacks the economics, politics, and future of Indian dairy.

Mitra explains why India protects dairy in FTAs, the role of 80 million smallholder farmers, and why local brands are thriving despite low margins and logistics hurdles. He also delves into the global export potential of Indian dairy — and what must change for India to compete.

🔹 Topics Covered:

a) Why India blocks dairy in FTAs with UK & US

b) The rise of private dairy giants and regional brands

c) Challenges in milk collection, perishability & traceability

d) Role of cooperatives vs. private players like Lactalis, Heritage, Dodla

e) India's untapped potential in global dairy exports