Genetic improvement in buffaloes for enhancing global food security

The global food crisis is worsening, with around 282 million people experiencing acute food insecurity in 2023, largely due to extreme weather events and inflation. This crisis is particularly severe in the Asia-Pacific region, where the rising cost of healthy food has left 232.8 million people unable to afford a nutritious diet. In India, home to approximately 200 million malnourished people, buffaloes have become essential in the fight against hunger, contributing around 45% to the nation’s milk production and significantly to meat production. Buffalo meat and milk, known for their high nutritional value, are crucial in addressing food insecurity. Additionally, buffalo farming is linked to sustainable practices, such as efficient feed use and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Over the past fifty years, India’s efforts to improve buffalo genetics have led to significant increases in productivity. Despite challenges like smallholder farming constraints, there are opportunities to expand buffalo meat exports and value-added dairy products. Adopting precision dairy farming and advanced breeding programs could transform India’s dairy industry, enhancing its global competitiveness and sustainability.