Government initiatives and rising milk output position India as a powerhouse in global dairy markets.
India’s dairy industry is experiencing remarkable momentum, with exports skyrocketing by 80% in 2024–25, generating $492.9 million in foreign earnings. According to official data, the country shipped 1,13,350.4 metric tonnes of dairy products, a 77.9% increase compared with the previous year. Key export destinations include the UAE, USA, Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh and Bhutan, strengthening India’s role as a competitive global dairy supplier.
The nation has retained its crown as the world’s largest milk producer since 1998, now contributing 25% of total global output. Over the past decade, production has surged by 63.56%, reaching 239.2 million tonnes in 2023–24, up from 146.3 million tonnes in 2014–15. With an annual growth rate of 5.7%—far above the global average of 2%—India is rapidly consolidating its dominance in the sector.
Domestic consumption has also expanded significantly, with per capita milk availability rising 48% in just ten years. From 322 grams per person per day in 2014–15, consumption has grown to 471 grams in 2023–24. This increasing availability reflects both stronger production capacity and improved supply-chain efficiency, underscoring dairy’s critical role in India’s food security and nutrition.
Government initiatives are providing further momentum. The National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD) supports states in scaling up milk production and processing infrastructure. To stabilize the sector during market volatility or natural disasters, the Centre is extending interest subvention on loans for State Dairy Cooperative Federations. Meanwhile, the Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF) is financing projects in dairy processing, animal feed plants, genetic improvement technologies, and even waste-to-wealth ventures.
Breed improvement and animal health are also a government priority. The Rashtriya Gokul Mission focuses on conserving indigenous cattle and boosting productivity, while the National Livestock Mission (NLM) supports entrepreneurship in poultry, sheep, goat, and piggery. Complementing these, the Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme is enhancing veterinary capacity, vaccination coverage, and disease surveillance. Together, these measures are positioning India not only as a milk giant but also as a global model for sustainable dairy growth.
Source: Mathrubhumi English – Original article
You can now read the most important #news on #eDairyNews #Whatsapp channels!!!
🇮🇳 eDairy News ÍNDIA: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaPidCcGpLHImBQk6x1F
