New Delhi, Aprail 10: In a groundbreaking initiative aimed at climate-smart agriculture, the Carbon Markets Association of India (CMAI) and the Global Dairy Platform (GDP) will co-host the Regional Livestock Carbon Market Convening on May 7, 2025, at Le Meridien, New Delhi. Supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, this event represents a significant step toward integrating India’s dairy and livestock sectors into global carbon markets.

Set to attract top carbon credit buyers and global stakeholders, the convening will explore innovative approaches to livestock emissions reduction, methane mitigation, and sustainable rural development. This initiative is a precursor to a larger global dialogue planned for later this year and builds on successful past convenings in Nairobi and Indonesia.

India at the Forefront of Dairy and Climate Leadership

With over 536 million livestock and producing 220 million tonnes of milk annually, India contributes 23% of global milk production—making it a vital player in both food security and climate mitigation. However, the sector is also a major emitter of methane, with livestock emissions accounting for over 55% of India’s agricultural GHG emissions.

This event aims to position India as a global leader in livestock sector decarbonisation, with a vision of creating a Dairy Net Zero roadmap. By tapping into the carbon market’s growing momentum, the dairy sector can unlock critical climate finance opportunities, particularly for smallholder farmers.

Convening Highlights

The full-day event on May 7 will include:

• Expert panels and technical workshops on livestock carbon credit generation, methane reduction strategies (including feed innovation and manure management), and carbon finance.

• Policy discussions on aligning national frameworks with global carbon standards.

• Networking opportunities with policymakers, farmers, private sector leaders, and financial institutions.

An exclusive networking reception will be held on May 6, 2025.

Leaders Speak

Manish Dabkara, President, CMAI:
“India can lead a new generation of high-integrity carbon credits from its dairy sector. With the right frameworks, carbon finance can drive both emission reductions and rural prosperity.”

Donald Moore, Executive Director, GDP:
“India’s global dairy leadership can be harnessed to deliver real climate impact. This convening is a crucial step in building the tools and policies needed to make that vision a reality.”

Rohit Kumar, Secretary General, CMAI:
“With the dairy sector growing at over 5.6% annually, integrating it into carbon markets is not just necessary, but strategic. This convening will help break down the technical, financial, and policy barriers in the way.”