Introduction Milk is part of every stage of life. From a baby’s first sip to an athlete’s fuel, it plays a key role in health. Rich in calcium, protein, and vital nutrients, milk helps build strong bones and boost immunity. Every year on June 1, the world celebrates World Milk Day 2025. It’s a day to honor milk as nourishment, a source of income for farmers, and a daily essential.
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Why the World Celebrates Milk
In 2001, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the UN declared June 1 as World Milk Day. Since then, people across the globe have celebrated it to recognize milk’s role in nutrition, economy, and sustainability.
World Milk Day 2025 carries the theme, “Let’s Celebrate the Power of Dairy.” It highlights how dairy nourishes people, supports farmers, and drives local economies.
India’s Dairy Transformation
At the time of independence, India struggled with milk shortages. The country produced less than 21 million tonnes of milk each year. Per person, milk availability was just 124 grams daily in 1950–51.
Things changed in 1965 when India formed the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) under Dr. Verghese Kurien. His leadership launched Operation Flood, the world’s largest rural development program.
Thanks to Operation Flood:
- 73,000 dairy cooperatives were formed
- 700 cities received quality milk daily
- India became self-reliant in milk production and began exports
India Leads the Global Milk Scene
India has been the world’s top milk producer since 1998. It now contributes 25% of global milk production. While global production grows 2% yearly, India’s per capita milk availability jumped 48% in the past 10 years. In 2023–24, the daily average reached 471 grams per person, well above the global average of 322 grams.
India’s Dairy Sector Growth
Milk output grew 63.56% between 2014–15 and 2023–24, rising from 146.3 million tonnes to 239.2 million tonnes. This shows an annual growth rate of 5.7%. In 2023–24:
- Uttar Pradesh produced the most milk (16.21%)
- West Bengal saw the fastest growth at 9.76%
India has 536.76 million livestock, including 303.76 million bovines and 74.26 million goats. It is the world’s largest livestock-owning country.
Jobs and Women in Dairy
India’s dairy sector includes:
- 22 Milk Federations
- 240 district unions
- 28 marketing dairies
- 24 Milk Producer Organizations
About 230,000 villages and 18 million dairy farmers are part of the network. Women play a vital role, with 35% active in dairy cooperatives. Around 48,000 women dairy societies operate at the village level.
Economic Impact of Dairy
Dairy is India’s largest agricultural commodity. It contributes 5% to the national economy and employs over 8 crore farmers. The sector’s compound annual growth rate (CAGR) is 6%.
Government Schemes Supporting Milk Production
India runs several dairy-focused schemes:
Rashtriya Gokul Mission
Started in 2014 to preserve native breeds. With a budget of Rs 3,400 crore (2021–26), it offers free doorstep Artificial Insemination. So far, it has covered 8.87 crore animals, completed 13.43 crore inseminations, and helped 5.42 crore farmers.
National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD)
Launched in 2014, restructured in 2021, NPDD builds infrastructure for milk production, processing, and marketing through state cooperatives.
Livestock Health & Disease Control Programme (LHDCP)
Revised in March 2025 with Rs 3,880 crore outlay (2024–26). It includes free vaccines for Foot and Mouth Disease, Brucellosis, PPR, and Classical Swine Fever. A new component, Pashu Aushadhi, promotes affordable vet medicines.
National Livestock Mission (NLM)
Aims to boost employment, animal productivity, and exports. It has three parts: Breed Development, Feed & Fodder, and Extension & Innovation.
Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF)
Launched in June 2020 under Atmanirbhar Bharat. It supports private and cooperative investments in dairy and animal husbandry infrastructure.
Kisan Credit Card (KCC)
Since 2019, dairy farmers in cooperatives can access easy institutional credit through KCC.
Conclusion
India’s journey from milk shortage to global dairy leader shows resilience, innovation, and unity. Government schemes, cooperatives, and farmer efforts have transformed the sector. As we celebrate World Milk Day 2025, let’s continue supporting our farmers and building a healthier, self-reliant India, one glass of milk at a time.
