Meet the Punganur, the 36-inch, high-value Indian indigenous cattle breed championed for conservation and superior A2 protein milk.
The world-famous Pushkar International Cattle Fair 2025 found an unexpected star this year: the endangered Punganur cow. Originating from Andhra Pradesh, this remarkably tiny breed is captivating visitors, signaling a rising global interest in high-value, indigenous Indian cattle breeds. For the international dairy sector and agribusiness analysts, the Punganur’s appearance at the fair, brought for awareness rather than sale, underscores a crucial movement toward native livestock conservation in Asia.
Despite its minuscule stature, the Punganur is a study in efficiency and quality. The cow stands only 28 to 36 inches tall and weighs a mere 150 to 200 kilograms. This small size translates directly into low maintenance needs, as the animal requires only three kilograms of fodder per day. Crucially, despite the low feed intake, the Punganur produces a respectable three to five liters of milk daily, presenting an appealing cost-benefit analysis for smallholder farms.
The value proposition of the Punganur is further elevated by the quality of its milk. The milk is noted for its rich medicinal properties and, more significantly for global markets, contains the highly desirable A2 protein. As the A2 dairy segment continues to gain momentum worldwide, the Punganur cow offers a genetically robust, indigenous source for this premium product. Interest in the breed has surged, partly fueled by the revelation that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is an owner of this unique cattle.
The owner of the Punganur cows at the fair, Abhinav Tiwari of Abhiram Breeding Farm, emphasized that the primary mission was not commercial sales but breed conservation. Facing the threat of extinction, the breed’s exhibition at a high-profile event like the Pushkar Fair is a strategic move to raise public and professional awareness. This effort aligns with broader goals of preserving valuable genetics essential for long-term dairy resilience and diversity against climate change.
Experts highlight the Punganur’s excellent adaptability to dry climates and its minimal feed requirements, positioning it as an ideal solution for many Indian farmers struggling with rising input costs and water scarcity. The growing popularity of the Punganur at events like Pushkar is expected to act as a powerful catalyst, reviving crucial interest in conserving and integrating native livestock back into the national milk supply chain, ultimately offering a template for sustainable dairy farming in challenging environments.
Source: Read the full report on the Punganur cow’s showcase at Argus English.
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