The growth in India’s milk production is being driven by a combination of larger dairy herds, stronger farmgate milk prices and sustained government support for producers. The country’s milking animal population is projected to reach 62 million head, while favorable weather and stable fodder supplies are helping maintain higher yields.

India’s expanding dairy sector is also boosting the production of value-added products. Butter output is projected to reach 7.2 million metric tons, while skim milk powder production is expected to total 0.8 million metric tons. At the same time, rising population, higher incomes and broader dairy distribution networks are increasing domestic demand for fluid milk and processed dairy products.

Although India leads by a wide margin, other major dairy regions continue to play a significant role in global milk markets. The European Union is expected to produce 149.4 million metric tons in 2025, followed by the United States with 103.4 million metric tons. Brazil, New Zealand, China and Argentina also remain important suppliers, although most are producing far less milk than India.