Vol. 9, Issue 10, Part H (2025)

This study quantified the carbon footprint of milk production from crossbred cattle farms in Haryana using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) with a “cradle-to-farm gate” system boundary. A field survey was conducted on 32 farms across eight districts, categorized into Eastern and Western regions, using semi-structured interviews to collect data on feeding, management, and input use. Carbon footprints and emission intensity (Ei) per kilogram of fat and protein corrected milk (FPCM) were estimated for each farm. While no statistically significant differences (p<0.05) were observed between the regions, farms in the Western region exhibited numerically lower carbon footprints. Enteric methane emissions were identified as the major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, followed by emissions from fertilizer application and electricity consumption. The study highlights key environmental hotspots in dairy production and provides valuable insights for targeted mitigation strategies.