World Milk Day 2025: Celebrating the Power of Dairy

From the first drop a baby tastes to the energy boost an athlete needs, milk stays with us throughout every stage of life. Rich in calcium, protein, and other essential nutrients, milk is more than just a beverage—it’s a vital part of global health, economy, and culture.

Recognizing this, the world unites every June 1st to celebrate World Milk Day—a day that honors not only the nutritional power of milk but also its contribution to rural livelihoods, food security, and sustainable agriculture.

Recognizing Milk’s Global Significance

In 2001, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations established World Milk Day to recognize milk’s vital role in our daily lives. Since then, countries around the world mark this day with activities that promote awareness about the value of milk and dairy products.

Why It Matters

World Milk Day highlights milk’s diverse contributions to:

• Nutrition and Health: A rich source of calcium, vitamin D, B12, and protein
• Rural Economy: A primary source of income for millions of farmers
• Sustainability: Promoting responsible dairy farming practices
• Women Empowerment: Significant female participation in dairy cooperatives

Theme for 2025: “Let’s Celebrate the Power of Dairy”

The 2025 theme is a tribute to dairy’s role as a nutritional powerhouse, a driver of economic growth, and a community enabler. It encourages reflection on how dairy supports health and prosperity across populations and age groups.

India’s Dairy Revolution: From Deficit to Dominance

The White Revolution

At Independence, India faced severe milk shortages. By 1950–51, milk availability stood at just 124 grams per capita daily. This began to change with the launch of the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) in 1965, and the leadership of Dr. Verghese Kurien, Father of the White Revolution.

Through Operation Flood (1970–1996):

• Over 73,000 dairy cooperatives were formed
• Milk was supplied daily to 700+ towns
• India achieved self-sufficiency and became an exporter

India’s Current Milk Milestones

Global Leader in Milk Production

• India is the world’s largest milk producer since 1998
• Contributes 25% to global milk production
• Per capita availability in India: 471 grams/day (2023–24) vs. world average of 322 grams

Production Growth

• Milk production rose by 63.56% from 146.3 million tonnes (2014–15) to 239.2 million tonnes (2023–24)
• Annual Growth Rate: Impressive 5.7%

Top States

• Uttar Pradesh: Highest milk producer (16.21% of national output)
• West Bengal: Fastest-growing, with 9.76% annual growth

Livestock Wealth and Farmer Participation

Massive Livestock Base

• India has 303.76 million bovines
• 74.26 million goats
• Total livestock population: 536.76 million

Cooperatives and Employment

• 240 district cooperative milk unions
• 22 milk federations, covering 230,000 villages
• 18 million dairy farmers involved
• 35% women participation, with 48,000 women dairy cooperatives

Economic Role

• Dairy is India’s largest agricultural commodity
• Contributes 5% to GDP
• Directly supports over 8 crore rural farmers

Government Schemes Powering Dairy Growth

1. Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM)

• Launched: 2014
• Budget: ₹3,400 crore (2021–26)
• Focus: Breed development, AI services at doorstep
• Achievements: 13.43 crore AI procedures, 8.87 crore animals covered, 5.42 crore farmers benefited

2. National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD)

• Aim: Quality milk production, processing, marketing
• Revised: 2021–26
• Implemented via State Cooperative Dairy Federations

3. Livestock Health & Disease Control Programme (LHDCP)

• Budget: ₹3,880 crore (2024–26)

• Components:

1. NADCP: Disease eradication
2. LH&DC: Strengthening vet services
3. Pashu Aushadhi: Affordable veterinary medicine

4. National Livestock Mission (NLM)

• Sub-Missions:

1. Breed Development
2. Feed and Fodder Development
3. Extension and Innovation

• Goal: Increase productivity and export potential

5. Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF)

• Launched: 2020

• Supports:

1. Dairy/meat processing units
2. Breed farms
3. Animal feed plants

6. Kisan Credit Card (KCC) for Dairy Farmers

• Launched: 2019
• Provides easy credit access to livestock and dairy farmers
• Enhances financial inclusion in rural dairy sectors