Desi Nasl Sudhaar: Why Indigenous Cattle Breeds Matter -Richie in Conversation with Dr. Alok Juneja

Welcome to Dairy Diaries, A Podcast Series by the Indian Dairy Association.
In this first Episode of this Podcast Series of the Indian Dairy Association, We discuss about Desi Nasl Sudhaar.

India is home to some of the world’s most diverse and resilient indigenous cattle breeds. But why do they matter so much in today’s dairy industry? Can desi breeds truly compete with high-yielding foreign varieties? And how do we balance conservation with productivity?

In this insightful episode of Dairy Diaries, Ms. Richie Agarwal talks to with Dr. Alok Juneja, a seasoned expert with nearly 40 years of experience in animal husbandry and rural development. Having served 27 years in the Rajasthan State Animal Husbandry Department and later as Vice President and now Senior Advisor at BAIF, Dr. Juneja brings unparalleled depth on the subject of cattle breeds and their role in shaping the future of Indian dairying.

Together, we explore:
✅ Why cattle breeds matter — and what makes a “good” breed
✅ Can breeds actually be improved, and how?
✅ The growing importance of conserving indigenous breeds
✅ The challenges and opportunities in breed conservation and propagation
✅ Global presence of Indian breeds and how other countries have developed them
✅ Key government initiatives and how institutions & NGOs can contribute
✅ The role of small and marginal farmers in sustaining indigenous breeds

💡 We also end with a Rapid Fire Round where Dr. Juneja shares:
• His recommended breeds for North India
• The biggest challenge in breed preservation
• One simple activity that farmers can do to improve yield
• The long-term benefits of breed improvement in just one line


Whether you’re a dairy farmer, policymaker, or simply curious about the future of Indian cattle, this conversation will help you see why Desi Nasl Sudhaar is not just about cows—it’s about culture, sustainability, and farmer livelihoods.

👉 Tune in, learn, and join the movement to preserve and strengthen India’s indigenous breeds!

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