India's Dairy Sector Maintains Stability Amid Global Trade Concerns
The Indian Dairy Association (IDA) has indicated that milk prices in India are unlikely to increase in 2026, according to Sudhir Kr Singh, the President of IDA. Singh stated that prices are adjusted only when necessary due to rising input costs, including feed and logistics.
India has made a strategic decision to protect its dairy sector from international competition, as highlighted by the exclusion of dairy from the India-US interim trade deal. This move is aimed at safeguarding local farmers from the potential influx of cheaper foreign milk products.
Singh praised the Indian government's efforts, thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi for keeping the dairy sector outside trade agreements, ensuring that domestic farmers are not adversely affected by foreign imports. He emphasized that India is a milk-surplus country, and introducing low-priced foreign milk could harm local producers.
Currently, India produces 247.87 million tonnes of milk as of 2024-25, showing a 3.58% growth from the previous year. The country's per capita milk availability has also increased to 485 grams per day, significantly higher than the global average of 322 grams.
Efforts are being made to enhance milk production in the eastern regions of India, with the National Dairy Development Board actively working in states such as Bihar, Jharkhand, Assam, Manipur, and Tripura. This focus aims to develop infrastructure and expand milk procurement in these areas.
The IDA, along with its regional chapters, is organizing the 52nd Dairy Industry Conference to explore new business opportunities in the dairy sector. The conference will take place in New Delhi from February 12 to 14, 2026.
