Cows — one of the most central figures in Indian polity today. Even though cows have zero actual say in what happens in the country on their behalf, one definitely gets a feeling cows (and the people who own them) sometimes have more influence than common man on the course of everyday tasks. Of course, the fervent adulation for cows is not new in the Indian context, and even the not-so-devout Indian would admit the special place cows have held historically in Indian culture.

Beyond spiritual connections, cows have been the primary source of sustenance and subsistence for many Indians for millennia. And that in itself makes them sacred for many.

Within the context of the dairy industry and agriculture, cows are actually vital participants in the economy. According to the latest livestock census report, the number of cows in the country has seen a sharp increase of 18% in recent years.

And this population growth spurt has been accompanied by the rise of dairy tech startups. Not only are they working to help improve the quality of the milk produced, but some are looking at organic dairy farming, improving animal and farmer welfare, and solving problems in the business and management of dairy farms.