India’s Dairy Sector: Anchoring Nutrition & Income Security

India’s dairy sector is more than just milk—it is a lifeline for millions of farmers and a cornerstone of nutrition for the nation. With a vast cooperative network, strong government support, and high female participation, the sector ensures daily nourishment, fosters rural employment, and strengthens food security. As India modernizes its dairy ecosystem, the focus is now shifting toward sustainability, innovation, and inclusive growth.

Nutrition and Income: Why Dairy Matters

• Milk is considered a near-complete food, rich in proteins, essential minerals like calcium and potassium, vitamins, and healthy fats.
• It supports growth, bone health, and overall development across all age groups, particularly among children and the elderly.
• Dairy is also a key driver of the rural economy. It is India’s largest agricultural product, contributing 5% to the national economy and directly supporting over 8 crore farmers, many of whom are small and marginal landholders.
• The sector has proven to be one of the most inclusive, especially due to the significant role of women in production and procurement.

Growth Highlights of the Last Decade

Record Milk Production

• India’s milk production surged by 63.56% in the last ten years, from 146.3 million tonnes in 2014–15 to 239.3 million tonnes in 2023–24, maintaining an average annual growth rate of 5.7%.

Per Capita Availability

• Per capita milk availability rose by 48%, reaching over 471 grams per person per day in 2023–24—well above the global average of approximately 322 grams.

Bovine Productivity

• India’s bovine population (303.76 million) has seen a 27.39% increase in productivity since 2014, the highest globally. This is largely due to improved breeding practices, healthcare, and nutrition.

Women at the Core of Dairy

• Women form nearly 70% of the dairy workforce and about 35% of dairy cooperative members. Across India, over 48,000 women-led dairy cooperatives operate at the village level.
• Many milk producer organisations (MPOs) are entirely managed by women, offering economic empowerment and leadership opportunities.
• These models are transforming the social and financial status of rural women and inspiring future generations.

Backbone of the Sector: Dairy Cooperatives

India’s dairy sector is supported by an extensive cooperative network comprising,

• 22 state-level federations
• 241 district cooperative unions
• 28 marketing dairies
• 25 Milk Producer Organisations (MPOs)

These cooperatives connect over 2.35 lakh villages and include 1.72 crore dairy farmers as active members. They provide assured procurement, fair prices, and access to veterinary services, feed, and training.

Technological Interventions & Schemes

Rashtriya Gokul Mission

Started in 2014, this mission focuses on improving the genetic quality of indigenous cattle through scientific breeding, semen stations, and breed conservation. In 2025, it received an additional outlay of ₹1000 crore, taking the total to ₹3400 crore.

Artificial Insemination (AI)

AI is now used for 33% of breedable bovines, with 565.55 lakh AIs conducted in 2024–25. The National AI Programme has performed over 14.12 crore AIs to date, benefiting millions of farmers.

IVF & Sex-Sorted Semen

To increase female calves and milk yield, 22 IVF labs have been established and over 10.32 million doses of sex-sorted semen have been produced. These efforts help improve both quality and quantity of milk production.

MAITRIs

The Multipurpose AI Technicians in Rural India (MAITRIs) bring breeding services to farmers’ doorsteps. Over 38,700 MAITRIs have been trained and equipped to deliver affordable and effective services.

Progeny Testing & Breed Multiplication

Through scientific testing, 3,747 bulls have been progeny-tested between 2021–2024. Additionally, 132 breed multiplication farms have been set up to ensure access to superior animals.

White Revolution 2.0: Future of Indian Dairy

Launched in December 2024, White Revolution 2.0 aims to scale up India’s dairy sector over five years (2024–29) with a focus on,

• Raising cooperative milk procurement from 660 lakh kg/day to 1007 lakh kg/day
• Forming 75,000 new dairy cooperatives, particularly in underserved areas
• Strengthening 46,422 existing cooperatives
• Promoting sustainability and circular economy through organic manure, biogas, and eco-friendly feed
• Increasing financial inclusion with RuPay Kisan Credit Cards and digital payment systems in rural cooperatives

Key Takeaways

• India ranks #1 globally in milk production, contributing nearly 25% of the world’s supply
• Milk production rose 63.56% in the last decade
• Per capita availability of milk: 471 grams/day in 2023–24
• 8 crore+ farmers, mostly smallholders, depend on dairy
• Women comprise 70% of the dairy workforce
• Schemes like Rashtriya Gokul Mission, NAIP, MAITRIs, and White Revolution 2.0 are key drivers