– By Manish Bandlish
India commemorates National Milk Day in tribute to Dr. Verghese Kurien, the progenitor of the White Revolution, and to acknowledge the indefatigable contributions of the nation’s agriculturists. As of 2024, owing to Dr. Kurien’s prescient stewardship and the relentless diligence of these farmers, India retains its stature as the preeminent milk producer globally. The nation accounts for more than a quarter of the worldwide dairy output and has witnessed a vigorous annual growth rate in milk production of 6%, markedly surpassing the global median of 2%. In the fiscal year 2022-23 alone, India generated upwards of 230 million tons of milk, exemplifying the dynamic confluence of visionary leadership and assiduous farming methodologies.
The transformation of India from a milk-deficit nation in the 1950s to its status as a global dairy leader is an extraordinary tale of economic and agricultural triumph. During the mid-20th century, India was grappling with a significant shortfall in milk production, evidenced by a negative compound annual growth rate and heavy reliance on milk imports to meet domestic demand. Fast forward to the present, and the scenario has dramatically shifted.
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As of the 2022-2023 period, India’s per capita milk availability has surged impressively from just 115 grams per day in the 1940s to 459 grams per day. This impressive growth in milk production has been a nationwide effort, with significant contributions coming from states such as Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and West Bengal. Together, these regions illustrate the robust and sustained growth of India’s dairy sector, which not only meets domestic needs but also positions India as a key player in the global dairy industry.
The dairy sector occupies a cardinal position in fortifying India’s agrarian economy, engaging over eight crore farming households. It acts as a fundamental pillar for the sustenance of millions of small-scale farmers by furnishing them with consistent sources of income.
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