Over the past decade, the country’s milk production has shown exceptional resilience and expansion. Production volume has surged by a remarkable $\text{63.56}$ percent, increasing from $\text{146.30}$ million tonnes in $\text{2014-15}$ to a high of $\text{239.30}$ million tonnes in the $\text{2023-24}$ financial year. This consistent growth translates to an impressive annual growth rate of $\text{5.7}$ percent, successfully positioning India significantly ahead of major global competitors like the $\text{United}$ States, $\text{Pakistan}$, $\text{China}$, and $\text{Brazil}$, according to $\text{Food}$ and $\text{Agriculture}$ Organisation figures.

This growth has dramatically improved the availability of milk for the domestic population. The per capita milk supply has risen sharply by $\text{48}$ percent over the last decade, reaching over $\text{471}$ grams per person a day in $\text{2023-24}$. This high consumption rate significantly exceeds the global average, which is reported to be around $\text{322}$ grams per person a day, underscoring the success of India’s dairy development programs in meeting domestic nutritional demands.

The robust foundation of India’s agribusiness is supported by a huge and diverse livestock population. The backbone of production includes $\text{303.76}$ million bovines (cattle, buffalo, mithun, and yak), which also serve as critical sources of draught power. Additionally, $\text{74.26}$ million sheep and $\text{148.88}$ million goats contribute substantially to milk production, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions, showcasing the diverse and inclusive nature of India’s $\text{dairy}$ system.