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Concerning rise of methane emissions in dairy farming: Call for climate-smart solutions
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Tuesday, 20 May, 2025, 16 : 00 PM [IST]
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Ravin Saluja
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Dairy farming is a cornerstone of global nutrition and rural livelihoods, supplying essential products like milk, cheese, and yoghurt. However, behind this valuable industry lies a pressing environmental challenge: methane emissions. Methane (CH4) is a potent greenhouse gas—over 28 times more effective at trapping heat than carbon dioxide (CO2) over a 100-year timeframe. Its short atmospheric lifespan makes it a high-impact contributor to near-term climate change.
Understanding the Source: Dairy Farming and Methane:
A significant share of methane emissions from agriculture comes from enteric fermentation, a digestive process in ruminants like cows and buffaloes. As they digest their fibrous diet, methane is released—mainly through belching. Another major source is manure management, particularly when waste is stored in oxygen-deprived environments, leading to further methane output.
Environmental and Climate Impacts:
Methane not only intensifies global warming but also contributes to ground-level ozone, which affects respiratory health and reduces crop yields. The rise in emissions from dairy farming threatens climate commitments made under global frameworks such as the Paris Agreement. To address this, international efforts like the Global Methane Pledge aim to slash methane emissions by 30% by 2030.
Driving Solutions Through Policy and Innovation:
Change is possible—and necessary. Climate-smart solutions like low-methane feed, improved manure handling, and biogas plants are already being trialled across the globe. But adoption requires support. Governments must incentivise sustainable practices through targeted subsidies, carbon credits, and farmer training programmes.
Equally vital is cross-sector collaboration. Public-private partnerships can bridge the gap between innovation and accessibility, empowering farmers with knowledge and tools to reduce emissions without compromising productivity.
A Shared Responsibility:
The path forward lies in collective action. From policymakers and dairy companies to consumers and environmental organisations, each link in the dairy value chain has a role in making the industry more sustainable. Choosing responsibly sourced dairy, investing in emissions-reducing technologies, and supporting informed policies can make a difference.
(The author is director at Sterling Agro Industries)
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