Its small farms feed millions and are critical sources of employment, income, and nutrition. The study’s lead investigator, Anjumoni Mech, PhD, of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research’s National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology in Karnataka, India, explained, “The small dairy farms that dominate India’s dairy sector—73 million, in fact—have only two dairy cows on average but contribute 72% of India’s milk production. Their analysis primarily used data gathered directly from local dairy farmers, including farm size, animal management, body measurements, and milk production. Dr. Mech elaborated, “Our analysis revealed that the carbon footprint of the milk production in these small farms is comparable with small dairy operations in Kenya, Ethiopia, South Africa, and other regions of India. Nevertheless, this study is a crucial first step to a more sustainable and resilient path for India’s small dairy farms.