Context:
India continues to lead as the world’s largest milk producer, with total milk production touching 239.30 million tonnes in 2023–24. This data was presented in the Lok Sabha on August 12, 2025, by the Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, S.P. Singh Baghel.
Key statistics about milk production:
India's milk production has reached 239.30 million tonnes, with cows contributing 53.12% (127.11 million tonnes) and buffaloes accounting for 43.62% (104.39 million tonnes) of the total production.
The top milk-producing states are:
- Uttar Pradesh: 37.46 million tonnes (13.11 million tonnes of cow milk and 24.35 million tonnes of buffalo milk)
- Rajasthan: 31.60 million tonnes (14.81 million tonnes of cow milk and 16.79 million tonnes of buffalo milk)
- Madhya Pradesh: 20.28 million tonnes (10.09 million tonnes of cow milk and 10.20 million tonnes of buffalo milk)
Regional distribution:
Northern and Western states (like UP, Rajasthan, MP) rely heavily on buffalo milk, which is preferred for its higher fat content, making it ideal for traditional dairy products like ghee, paneer, and khoa. On the other hand, Southern states show a cow-dominant dairy model, due to differences in breed availability and consumption patterns.
Dairy Sector in the Indian Economy:
Major Economic Contributor
The dairy sector is India’s largest agricultural commodity, contributing 4–5% to the national GDP and about 25% to agricultural GDP. It plays a critical role in the rural economy, serving as a stable income source for over 8 crore farmers, many of whom are smallholders. This sector also contributes significantly to national food security and income generation.
Employment and Women Empowerment
The dairy sector is a major employment generator, both directly and indirectly. It employs millions in cattle rearing, milk procurement, processing, and distribution. Notably, women constitute a large share of the dairy workforce, particularly in rural areas, enhancing their financial independence and contributing to household stability.
Milk Production, Growth & Government Support
India is the world’s largest milk producer, accounting for 24% of global output. With a 6% CAGR in milk production over the past decade, the sector shows consistent growth. Per capita milk availability in India exceeds global averages. Key programs such as Operation Flood, Rashtriya Gokul Mission, National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD) and LHDCP have strengthened the sector through genetic improvement, health care, and infrastructure development.
Conclusion:
India's dairy sector remains a vital pillar of rural livelihoods and food security. With continued support through schemes like NLM and region-specific strategies, India is well-positioned to strengthen its leadership in the global dairy market while ensuring inclusive growth for millions of farmers.
