Manure, a valuable resource for a sustainable Asian dairy sector

Theun Vellinga, leader of the LMMC project.

Around 60 participants from South, Southeast and East Asia gathered during the international meeting “Dairy Asia: towards sustainability” from 23-26 March in Anand, India. Dairy Asia is working on a strategic framework paper on the sustainable development of the Asian dairy sector. Theun Vellinga, leader of the Livestock and Manure Management Component gave a presentation on the role of manure as a valuable resource for a sustainable dairy sector.

During the Dairy Asia meeting, hosted by National Dairy Development Board India, participants from the private sector (dairy cooperatives), research institutes, policy (ministries of agriculture, livestock) and international organisations as the World Bank discussed the road toward a sustainable dairy sector development. Manure and integrated manure management plays an important role in improving sustainability of the sector, and provides the opportunity to increase resource efficiency and close nutrient cycles. The message of the Livestock and Manure Management Component that livestock is manure is a valuable resource rather than a waste was very much welcomed by the participants. It is included in the final communique of the meeting. The Manure Knowledge Kiosk will be looking at opportunities to support the improvement of manure management in the Asian dairy sector.

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