India Remains World’s Leading Milk Producer with Steady Growth

India remains the world’s top milk producer, contributing nearly a quarter of global milk output, according to official figures. 

As reported by IANS, a TV BRICS partner, the dairy sector plays a significant role in the national economy, accounting for 5% of GDP and providing direct employment to over 80 million farmers.

Milk production in India has grown by 63.5% over the past decade, increasing from 146.3 million tonnes in 2014–15 to 239.3 million tonnes in 2023–24, with an average annual growth rate of 5.7%.

Per capita milk availability also saw a 48% rise during this period, reaching 471 grams per person per day in 2023–24, well above the global average of 322 grams.

Experts attribute this growth to India’s vast livestock population, which includes 303.7 million bovines that support both milk production and agricultural labour.

Additionally, the country’s 74.3 million sheep and 148.9 million goats help meet dairy demand, especially in dry and semi-arid regions. 

Between 2014 and 2022, India achieved a 27.4% increase in bovine productivity, nearly double the global average of 13.9%.