Karnal: India’s dairy sector has witnessed a historic transformation, with milk production rising from just 17 million tonnes in 1950 to 247 million tonnes in 2025, according to M L Jat, Secretary of Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) and Director General of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
He shared these insights while addressing the convocation at National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI) in Karnal.
Dairy: Backbone of Livestock Economy
India’s dairy sector dominates the livestock economy:
- Contributes 65% of total livestock output
- Forms part of a ₹17.25 lakh crore sector
- Accounts for 16% of India’s Gross Value Added (GVA)
- Supports livelihoods of 46.1% of the population
Simply put—dairy isn’t just a sector, it’s a rural economic engine.
Policy Push and Budget Support
The government is accelerating growth through increased investment:
- ₹6,153 crore allocated for animal husbandry (↑16%)
- Recruitment of 20,000 veterinarians
- Support for veterinary colleges and labs
- Tax relief for dairy cooperatives
These measures align with the broader vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
Production Leaders and Future Demand
- Uttar Pradesh leads total milk production
- Punjab and Haryana lead in productivity (yield per animal)
According to projections by NITI Aayog, India’s milk demand could reach 480–606 million tonnes by 2047—almost double current levels.
Read More: Fertiliser Supply Risks Add New Pressure on Dairy Sector
Who Produces India’s Milk?
Breakdown of milk contribution by species:
- Indigenous buffaloes: 31.18% (largest share)
- Crossbred cattle: 30.80%
- Indigenous cattle: 11.20%
- Non-descript buffaloes: 11.97%
- Non-descript cattle: 9.64%
- Goat: 3.32%
- Exotic cattle: 1.89%
Buffaloes remain India’s silent powerhouse in milk production.
The Bigger Picture
India’s journey from milk scarcity to becoming the world’s largest milk producer reflects decades of:
- Cooperative movement success
- Technological adoption
- Policy support
- Farmer participation
What Lies Ahead
With demand expected to surge, the next challenge is clear:
- Improve productivity per animal
- Strengthen supply chains
- Expand value-added dairy products
- Ensure sustainability
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I do my best to share reliable and well-researched insights but occasional errors or omissions may slip through. Please view all content as informational.
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