On World Milk Day, India Dominates With 24.64% Global Share

On the occasion of World Milk Day, celebrated globally to highlight the importance of milk as a global food, it is fitting to spotlight India's remarkable journey in milk production and its thriving milk economy.

As the world's largest milk producer, India has seen transformative growth in this sector, making significant strides in both quantity and quality. India is the world's largest milk producer, contributing 24.64 per cent of global milk production in 2021-22. In 2022-23, India's milk production reached 230.58 million tonnes, which is a 58 per cent increase over the last nine years. This makes dairy India's largest agricultural commodity, contributing 5 per cent of the national economy.

This growth is not only a testament to the resilience and hard work of millions of dairy farmers but also to the innovative practices and policies that have propelled the country to the forefront of global milk production. From traditional farming practices to cutting-edge dairy technologies, India's milk economy exemplifies a harmonious blend of heritage and modernity, contributing substantially to the nation's nutrition security and rural prosperity.

Milestones of Milk Production
The journey of India's milk production has been nothing short of remarkable. Union Minister Shri Rupala recently shared insights into the robust growth of India's milk economy, underscoring the nation's progress in this vital sector.
During the fiscal year 2022-23, the total milk production in the country was estimated at 230.58 million tonnes. This figure represents a substantial growth of 22.81 per cent over the past five years, a significant leap from 187.75 million tonnes in 2018-19. Such growth is a testament to the concerted efforts of farmers, dairy cooperatives, and government initiatives aimed at boosting milk production.
The year-on-year growth also paints a promising picture. In 2022-23, milk production increased by 3.83 per cent compared to the previous year, continuing the trend of steady growth. Historical data shows annual growth rates of 6.47 per cent in 2018-19, 5.69 per cent in 2019-20, 5.81 per cent in 2020-21, and 5.77 per cent in 2021-22. These figures highlight the resilience and dynamism of India's dairy sector, even amidst global challenges.

Leading States in Milk Production
India's milk production prowess is spread across several states, each contributing significantly to the national output. Uttar Pradesh emerged as the highest milk-producing state in 2022-23, with a remarkable 15.72 per cent share of the total production. This northern state has consistently led the pack, thanks to its extensive dairy farming infrastructure and supportive policies.
Rajasthan follows closely with a 14.44 per cent share, leveraging its traditional expertise in animal husbandry. Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh also feature prominently, with shares of 8.73 per cent, 7.49 per cent, and 6.70 per cent respectively. These states have implemented innovative dairy farming techniques and robust supply chain mechanisms to bolster their production capabilities.

Rapid Growth States
While the leading states in total production are noteworthy, several states have distinguished themselves through exceptional annual growth rates. Karnataka recorded the highest annual growth rate (AGR) at 8.76 per cent, reflecting its progressive approach to dairy farming and infrastructure development. West Bengal followed closely with an AGR of 8.65 per cent, showcasing its rising prominence in the dairy sector.
Uttar Pradesh, already a leader in total production, also demonstrated a strong AGR of 6.99 per cent, reinforcing its status as a dairy powerhouse. These growth rates are indicative of the dynamic nature of India's milk economy, driven by both traditional and emerging dairy hubs.

The Road Ahead
India's milk economy stands as a beacon of rural prosperity and nutritional security. The growth trends and regional contributions underscore a balanced development across the country, ensuring that both established and emerging dairy states play crucial roles in meeting the nation's milk demand.

Tarannum Manjul

BW Reporters Indian Journalist with over two decades of experience in TV and print, writing on politics, governance, lifestyle and more