World Milk Day 2025 Highlights India's Journey to Global Dairy Leadership
Observed globally today, Sunday, June 1st, World Milk Day 2025 carries the theme "Let’s Celebrate the Power of Dairy," underscoring the profound nutritional, economic, and cultural significance of milk. This United Nations-designated day provides a timely opportunity to reflect on India's remarkable transformation from a milk-deficient nation at independence to its current status as the world's largest milk producer, a journey shaped by strategic initiatives and the dedication of millions of dairy farmers.
India's White Revolution
At the time of its independence, India faced a severe milk shortage, producing less than 21 million tonnes annually with a per capita availability of just 124 grams per day in 1950-51. A pivotal moment was the establishment of the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) in 1965, under the leadership of Dr. Verghese Kurien. This paved the way for "Operation Flood" (1970–1996), one of the world's most extensive rural development programs, which led to India achieving self-sufficiency and becoming the top milk producer globally since 1998, now accounting for 25% of the world's milk. Between 2014-15 and 2023-24, India's milk production surged by 63.56% to 239.2 million tonnes, with per capita availability reaching over 471 grams daily in 2023-24, significantly above the global average.
Dairy Sector: A Pillar of India's Rural Economy
India's dairy sector is the single largest agricultural commodity, contributing 5 percent to the national economy and directly employing over 8 crore farmers. The cooperative sector is robust, with approximately 18 million dairy farmers, including a significant 35% women participation, organized into numerous village-level societies and unions. In 2023-24, Uttar Pradesh was the leading milk-producing state. This growth is supported by India's status as the world's largest livestock owner.
Key Government Schemes Driving Dairy Development
The continued growth and modernization of India's dairy sector are actively supported by several schemes under the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying. The Rashtriya Gokul Mission focuses on developing indigenous bovine breeds and expanding artificial insemination services. The National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD) aims to create and strengthen infrastructure for quality milk production, procurement, and marketing. The Livestock Health & Disease Control Programme (LHDCP) ensures animal health through vaccination and veterinary services, including the new "Pashu Aushadhi" component for affordable medicines. The National Livestock Mission (NLM) promotes employment and productivity in the broader livestock sector, while the Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF) incentivizes private investment in dairy processing and infrastructure. Furthermore, the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) facility has been extended to dairy farmers, enhancing their access to institutional credit.
India's journey to becoming a global dairy leader is a testament to visionary planning, collective effort, and targeted government support. As World Milk Day is celebrated, the focus remains on leveraging innovation, technology, and sustained support for dairy farmers to ensure the sector's continued vibrancy, contributing significantly to the nation's nutritional security and economic strength.
