ESG Performance in India’s Dairy Sector

A Comparative Analysis of Amul and Mother Dairy

Abstract

This study provides an in-depth examination of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance in India’s dairy sector, focusing on two leading brands—Amul and Mother Dairy. Using Amul’s 2023–2024 Sustainability Report, Mother Dairy’s publicly available disclosures, and secondary literature from academic, industry, and policy sources, the research situates these companies within India’s cooperative dairy movement, national ESG policy frameworks, and global sustainability benchmarks. Amul’s cooperative model facilitates large-scale social empowerment, equitable profit distribution, and a diversified environmental agenda spanning renewable energy, water conservation, and waste reduction. Mother Dairy, while narrower in environmental scope, demonstrates targeted impact, particularly in plastic waste management, and has pioneered AI-driven governance frameworks.
The paper traces the historical development of India’s dairy sector, evaluates relevant regulatory instruments, and benchmarks Amul and Mother Dairy against global dairy leaders such as Fonterra, Arla Foods, and Danone. Key findings highlight Amul’s breadth of ESG initiatives and Mother Dairy’s depth in select governance and environmental areas. Challenges—including climate vulnerability, water scarcity, and methane emissions—are discussed alongside opportunities for sector-wide collaboration. Recommendations call for a blended strategy that integrates Amul’s systemic reach with Mother Dairy’s targeted innovations to enhance resilience, competitiveness, and alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).