The core of the problem lies in a pervasive cultural practice where the dairy products produced by a family’s own cattle are preferentially allocated to male members. This is often based on the belief that men require more energy for manual labor. The article highlights that in many rural communities, boys, men, and even guests are given priority access to milk and other dairy items, while women and girls are served less or are entirely left out, even in households with plentiful dairy resources.

This tradition has dire health implications. The article points out that while the average Indian man consumes approximately 375 ml of milk per day, the consumption rate for women is considerably lower. A recent study revealed that a significant percentage of Indian women are lactose intolerant, which might also contribute to the low intake. However, the primary cause is attributed to deeply ingrained social inequities and consumption patterns, which pose a major barrier to adequate nutrition for females.

For the agribusiness community and those interested in dairy economics, this disparity is a critical data point. India is one of the world’s largest milk producers, yet the uneven distribution of its most important agricultural product points to a significant flaw in the domestic supply chain. The issue is not one of production, but of consumption equity, which creates both a public health crisis and a market challenge that must be addressed for the long-term sustainability of the sector.