National Milk Day and India's Dairy Sector Overview

Importance of Milk in Nutrition

• Nutritional Value: High-quality animal protein, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and micronutrients.
• India’s Contribution: Accounts for nearly 25% of global milk production.
• Economic Impact: Dairy sector contributes 5% to India's economy and employs over 8 crore farmers.

Historical Background

• 1950s-1960s: India experienced a milk shortage and relied on imports.
• 1958-1968: Growth rate of milk production was 1.64% initially, dropping to 1.15%.
• National Dairy Development Board (NDDB): Established in 1965 to organize farmers into cooperatives, following the Anand Model.
• Operation Flood (1970): Transformed India into the world's largest milk producer.

Dairy Sector Growth

• Milk Production: Increased from 146.30 million tonnes in 2014-15 to 239.30 million tonnes in 2023-24 (63.56% increase).
• Per-Capita Availability: Rose from 124 grams to 471 grams per person per day.

Key Government Schemes and Programs

1. Rashtriya Gokul Mission:

   • Aims to conserve and develop indigenous cattle; revised with a budget of Rs.3,400 crore from 2021-2026.
   • Over 92 million animals benefitted, improving genetic diversity.

2. National Artificial Insemination Programme (NAIP):

   • Provides free insemination services; reached 9.16 crore animals.
   • Focus on producing sex-sorted semen to increase female calf births.

3. National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD):

   • Focus on improving milk quality and expanding organized procurement and marketing; restructured for 2021-2026.

4. White Revolution 2.0:

   • Launched in December 2024, aims to establish 75,000 new dairy cooperatives to strengthen the dairy economy and increase women's enrollment.

Recent Developments

• GST Reform: In September 2025, tax rates on dairy products reduced to 5% or exempt, promoting affordability and market competitiveness.
• Sabar Dairy Plant: Inaugurated in October 2025, the largest curd and buttermilk plant in India, costing Rs.350 crore.

Economic Indicators

• Expected Milk Production: Projected at 242 million tonnes by 2026, contributing 32% of global supply.
• Processing Capacity Target: Aim to increase capacity to 100 million liters/day by 2028-29.
• Financial Outlay for Cooperatives: Rs.407.37 crore allocated for establishing new dairy cooperatives in 2025-26.

Award and Recognition

• Gopal Ratna Awards: To be presented on National Milk Day, recognizing contributions to the dairy sector.

Challenges and Future Outlook

• Focus on eradicating diseases like Foot-and-Mouth Disease and Brucellosis by 2030 through vaccination drives.
• Efforts to improve bovine genetics via selective breeding and encouragement of scientific farming practices.

Conclusion

National Milk Day commemorates the evolution of India's dairy sector, highlighting the efforts of farmers, cooperatives, and government initiatives that contribute to making India the top global milk producer. The ongoing projects and reforms aim to ensure a sustainable and inclusive future for the dairy industry.