Climate-Smart Dairy Entrepreneurship Programme Concludes in Chennai
Chennai: The Valediction Ceremony of the Climate Smart Dairy Entrepreneurship Programme was held on June 2, 2025, at Madras Veterinary College in Chennai. This programme, launched by Kumaraguru Institutions in December 2024, aims to foster sustainable, resilient, and scalable dairy farming models. Over 112 dairy entrepreneurs underwent a three-month intensive training phase, gaining practical knowledge in breeding, nutrition, housing, animal health, and milk value addition.
Key Highlights of the Programme
- Dairy Yatra: A 6,000-kilometre cross-country learning expedition was organized, where over 40 entrepreneurs participated, gaining exposure to innovative dairy practices across Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Rajasthan.
- Impact: These entrepreneurs will support and empower over 10,000 smallholder dairy farmers across Tamil Nadu, delivering quality inputs, reliable veterinary services, and evidence-based dairy practices to underserved communities.
- Triple Impact: The programme generates social empowerment, economic upliftment, and environmental resilience.
Expert Insights
- Dr. C. Soundararajan, Dean of Madras Veterinary College, emphasized the importance of adopting climate-resilient and sustainable dairy practices to tackle climate change challenges.
- Dr. Thanammal Ravichandran, Program Manager (Research), Kumaraguru Institutions, stated that these entrepreneurs are now catalysts of change in their villages, equipped with scientific knowledge, business acumen, and climate awareness.
Government Support and Future Plans
- Mano Thangaraj, Minister for Milk and Dairy Development, Government of Tamil Nadu, praised the programme, saying Tamil Nadu is well-positioned to lead India’s next dairy revolution, one that is green, inclusive, and farmer-first.
- The programme has the potential to scale across India, building a national ecosystem of climate-smart livestock entrepreneurs, with a focus on grassroots engagement, digital innovation, and multi-stakeholder partnerships.
