Improving Dairy Production in Indonesia: Comparative Lessons from India and the United States

This study aims to illuminate the importance of high milk- producing cows and their effects on farmers and the environment. Secondary data from the annual dairy production period of 2023 to 2024 are used from the United States, India, and Indonesia. Both India and the United States are included due to their record of being top global milk producers, yet both have contrasting milk production characteristics. Subsequently, Indonesia is used as the country of interest to receive recommendations for future development. Results show that although India has the largest dairy cow population and annual milk production, the United States has the highest milk production at 33 kg milk/cow/day in both 2023 and 2024. Meanwhile, India’s daily milk production is 9 liters/cow, and Indonesia’s is around 4.6 liters/cow. Improving milk production per cow is recommended by various studies due to its ability to shift more nutrients toward milk production and reduce greenhouse gases. Thus, aiming national development toward high- producing cows should be prioritized.