India's Milk Production Surges by 3.78% in 2023-24

India’s milk production has seen a 3.78% increase, reaching 239.30 million tonnes in 2023-24, maintaining its position as the world’s largest milk producer, according to the Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics 2024 report. This growth is attributed to better productivity in milch cattle and an increase in per capita milk availability.

On National Milk Day, Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh highlighted that the country’s milk production has grown at an average rate of 6%, surpassing the global average of 2%. The per capita availability of milk has also risen from 459 gm per day in 2022-23 to 471 gm per day in 2023-24. Despite a slight slowdown in the growth rate, India remains a global leader in milk production and continues to push for exports.

Key Highlights:

Increased Milk Production: India’s milk output increased by 3.78%, reaching 239.30 million tonnes in 2023-24.

Top Producing States: Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra account for 54% of India’s total milk production.

Per Capita Milk Availability: The availability rose to 471 gm per day, up from 459 gm per day last year.

Milk Production by Breed: Exotic/crossbred cattle’s milk production increased by 8%, while indigenous cattle saw a rise of 44.76%, although buffalo milk production decreased by 16%.

Export Push and Future Plans: The government is keen on boosting dairy exports and eradicating diseases like foot-and-mouth by 2030.

Dairy Sector’s Growth Trajectory

Past Growth: From 2014-15 to 2022-23, the livestock sector grew at a CAGR of 7.38% at constant prices, highlighting significant improvements in dairy production.

Impact of Lumpy Skin Disease: Despite challenges, such as the lumpy skin disease epidemic during 2021-23, India’s dairy sector has remained resilient.

The Push for Dairy Exports

Global Leadership: Although milk production growth has slowed in recent years, India continues to lead globally, contributing significantly to the world’s dairy supply.

Government Initiatives: The Union Minister urged farmers to vaccinate livestock to ensure disease control and improve milk yields, which could further boost export potential.

Related Agricultural Growth

Egg and Meat Production: Along with milk, India’s egg and meat production also saw growth, with egg production rising by 3.17% to 142.77 billion eggs and meat production increasing by 4.95% to 10.25 million tonnes in 2023-24.

Summery of the news

Why in News	Key Points
India’s Milk Production Increased by 3.78%	India’s milk output rose to 239.30 million tonnes in 2023-24, continuing as the world’s largest producer.
Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh’s Statement	Milk production up due to improved productivity of milch cattle. Per capita milk availability increased to 471 gm per day.
National Milk Day (Nov 26)	Celebrates the birth anniversary of Verghese Kurien, architect of the White Revolution.
Top Milk-Producing States	Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra contribute 53.99% of India’s total milk output.
Livestock Growth	Livestock sector grew at 7.38% CAGR from 2014-15 to 2022-23 at constant prices.
Per Capita Availability	Milk availability increased from 459 gm/day in 2022-23 to 471 gm/day in 2023-24.
Exotic/Crossbred Cattle & Indigenous Cattle	Exotic/crossbred cattle milk production increased by 8%, while indigenous cattle rose by 44.76%. Buffalo milk production decreased by 16%.
Egg and Meat Production	Egg production rose by 3.17% to 142.77 billion eggs. Meat production increased by 4.95%, reaching 10.25 million tonnes.
Livestock Vaccination Plan	Free vaccines available for diseases like foot-and-mouth and brucellosis, aiming for eradication by 2030.
Current Focus on Dairy Exports	Emphasis on boosting dairy exports as part of the sector’s future growth strategy.
Livestock Contribution to GVA	Share of livestock in total agriculture GVA increased from 24.32% in 2014-15 to 30.38% in 2022-23.