New Delhi: Dairy products—including milk, butter, cheese, yoghurt, paneer, and ghee—form an integral part of diets across the globe. Yet, when it comes to production, one country continues to dominate the global dairy landscape: India.
According to official estimates, India remains the world’s largest producer of milk and dairy products, accounting for more than 25% of global milk production. The country’s dairy sector has witnessed remarkable growth over the past decade, reinforcing its position as a global leader in agricultural and livestock production.
Why India Leads the Global Dairy Industry
India’s rise to the top of the dairy sector is attributed to a combination of factors:
- The world’s largest cattle and buffalo population.
- A robust dairy cooperative network.
- Daily milk procurement from millions of smallholder farmers.
- Strong domestic demand for dairy products.
- Government support through dairy development and infrastructure programs.
Unlike many countries where dairy production is concentrated among large commercial farms, India’s dairy industry is largely driven by small and marginal farmers, making it one of the most inclusive agricultural sectors in the world.
The sector also serves as a critical source of supplementary income for rural households, particularly women engaged in dairy farming.
Top Dairy-Producing Countries
| Rank | Country |
|---|---|
| 1 | India |
| 2 | United States |
| 3 | China |
| 4 | Pakistan |
| 5 | Brazil |
Industry experts note that while countries such as the United States lead in productivity per animal, India’s strength lies in the sheer scale of its dairy ecosystem and its vast consumer market.
Which State Produces the Most Milk in India?
Uttar Pradesh is the largest milk-producing state in India.
Top 5 Milk-Producing States (share of total production)
- Uttar Pradesh — 15.66%
- Rajasthan — 14.82%
- Madhya Pradesh — 9.12%
- Gujarat — 7.78%
- Maharashtra — 6.71%
Together: 54.09%
Within India, Uttar Pradesh is the largest milk-producing state, contributing significantly to the nation’s overall output.
These states have benefited from investments in milk procurement infrastructure, chilling facilities, and cooperative development initiatives.
Which Dairy Products Does India Produce?
India manufactures a wide range of dairy products, including Milk, Ghee, Butter, Paneer, Cheese, Curd (Yoghurt), Skimmed milk powder and Ice cream.
The value-added dairy segment, particularly products such as cheese, yoghurt, and whey protein, has witnessed rapid growth in recent years, driven by changing consumer preferences and rising disposable incomes.
The Role of the White Revolution
The country’s dairy transformation began with Operation Flood, popularly known as the White Revolution, under the leadership of Dr. Verghese Kurien.
Launched in 1970, Operation Flood established an extensive network of dairy cooperatives, improving market access for farmers and creating a sustainable milk procurement system that continues to benefit millions of producers today.
Strength of the Cooperative Dairy Network
The cooperative dairy sector in India is extensive and well organised. As of 2025, It includes 22 milk federations, 241 district cooperative unions, 28 marketing dairies and 25 Milk Producer Organisations (MPOs). Together, they cover about 2.35 lakh villages and have 1.72 crore dairy farmers as members.
Women at the Heart of Dairy Development
A defining feature of India’s dairy sector is the strong role played by women. Nearly 70% of the workforce in dairy farming consists of women, and about 35% are active in dairy cooperatives. Across the country, more than 48,000 women-led dairy cooperative societies operate at the village level, bringing inclusive growth and empowerment to rural communities.
NDDB Dairy Services (NDS) has also supported 23 Milk Producer Organisations, of which 16 are entirely run by women. In these, all producer directors on the boards are women, making them role models for inclusive growth in the sector. These MPOs also bring together nearly 1.2 million milk producers across 35,000 villages, making cooperatives a strong pillar of the country’s dairy growth.
The impact of this transformation is visible. The all-women Shreeja Milk Producer Organisation received the prestigious Dairy Innovation Award from the International Dairy Federation at the World Dairy Summit in Chicago for its pioneering work in empowering women.
Which Is the Largest Dairy Cooperative in the World?
India’s dairy success story is closely associated with the cooperative movement spearheaded by the Gujarat-based dairy giant, Amul.
Amul is widely regarded as one of the world’s largest dairy cooperative organizations and played a pivotal role in transforming India from a milk-deficient nation into a dairy powerhouse.
Read More: Indonesia Bets on Mega Dairy Farms to Cut Milk Imports, Boost Self-Sufficiency
India’s Dairy Sector
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Largest Producer of Dairy Products | India |
| Share of Global Milk Production | More than 24% (approx. 25%) |
| Largest Milk-Producing State | Uttar Pradesh |
| Largest Dairy Cooperative | Amul |
| Leader of the White Revolution | Dr. Verghese Kurien |
Milk Production (2024–25)
India retains its position as the world’s largest milk producer.
- Total Production: 247.87 million tonnes
- Growth: 3.58% over 2023–24 (239.30 million tonnes)
- Per Capita Availability:
- 2014–15: 319 g/day
- 2024–25: 485 g/day
As demand for dairy products grows worldwide, India’s position at the forefront of global dairy production appears firmly established—underscoring the enduring impact of its cooperative movement, rural entrepreneurship, and sustained investment in the sector.
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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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