TRENDS IN INDIA’S DAIRY SECTOR

TRENDS IN INDIA’S DAIRY SECTOR

Context

India continues to maintain its top position in global milk production, contributing nearly 25% of the world’s supply. The dairy sector forms a vital pillar of the Indian economy, contributing around 5% to GDP and supporting the livelihoods of over 8 crore farmers. Over the past decade, milk production has risen by 63.56%, reflecting strong growth, inclusivity, and technological progress.

Rising Production

• Milk output has grown consistently, from 146.3 million tonnes (MT) in 2014–15 to 239.3 MT in 2023–24.
   
• This reflects a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.7%, positioning India well ahead of other global producers.

Per Capita Availability

• Milk availability has increased by 48% in the last decade.
• Current availability stands at 471 grams/person/day, much higher than the global average of 322 grams/person/day, improving nutritional security in India.

Bovine Productivity

• India has recorded a 27.39% rise in bovine productivity (2014–22), the highest growth rate worldwide.
   
• Initiatives such as the Rashtriya Gokul Mission and improved breeding practices have played a key role.

Women’s Role in Dairy

• Nearly 70% of the workforce in the dairy sector are women.
   
• Over 48,000 women-led dairy cooperatives highlight the sector’s contribution to gender empowerment and inclusive growth.
   
• Dairy cooperatives also strengthen Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and rural livelihoods.

Technological Adoption

• More than 565 lakh Artificial Insemination (AI) procedures and deployment of 38,000+ MAITRIs (Multi-purpose Artificial Insemination Technicians in Rural India) have transformed livestock management.
   
• Modern technologies such as In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF), sex-sorted semen, and progeny testing are improving genetic quality and productivity.

White Revolution 2.0

• Focuses on sustainability, cooperative expansion, and farmer-centric growth.
   
• Plans to set up 75,000 new dairy cooperatives across India.
   
• By 2028–29, procurement is targeted to scale up to 1007 lakh kg/day.
   
• Emphasis on climate-resilient dairy farming and value addition to strengthen India’s role as the dairy hub of the world.

Conclusion

The dairy sector represents India’s largest self-sustaining rural enterprise, combining nutritional security with employment generation and inclusive growth. With rising production, strong cooperative models, and women’s leadership, India is moving towards a White Revolution 2.0, ensuring both global leadership in dairy and grassroots empowerment for rural communities.