India: A Pivotal Player in Global Dairy Industry

India has firmly secured its position as the world’s largest producer of milk, achieving an impressive production volume of approximately 221 million tonnes in 2022. This achievement underscores the crucial role of the dairy sector within India’s agrarian economy, underpinning the livelihoods of countless small and marginal farmers.

Key Statistics

• Number of Dairy Cattle (2021): Approximately 192 million, including cattle and buffaloes.
• Milk Production Volume (2021-2022): Approximately 208 million tonnes.
• Number of Dairy Goats (2021): Roughly 135 million.
• Milk Processing Volume: Estimated at 65-70 million tonnes annually.
• Cheese Production Volume: Approximately 90,000 tonnes annually.
• Milk Powder and Whey Production Volume: Around 600,000 tonnes per year.

Key Enterprises in India's Dairy Market

• Amul
• Mother Dairy
• Milky Mist
• Parag Milk Foods
• Yakult Danone India

Major Dairy Farms and Operators

• Baramati Agro Ltd.
• Hatsun Agro Product Ltd.
• Karnataka Milk Federation
• Heritage Foods
• Vijay Dairy & Farm Products

Exports and Imports

India exports about 100,000 tonnes of dairy products annually while importing around 50,000 tonnes per year, maintaining a favorable balance of trade. These figures highlight India's strong capacity to navigate global market conditions.

Significant Market Events

• JORDBRUKARE published milk procurement prices across states.
• Milky Mist is planning an IPO targeting a valuation of Rs 20,000 crore.
• Mother Dairy is aiming for a Rs 17,000 crore turnover by FY 2025, marking a 13% increase.
• Union Minister Amit Shah addressed milk powder import allegations.
• Fonterra outsourced financial services to partners in Bangalore.
• Parag Milk Foods reported a 27% increase in net profit due to growth in ghee and cheese.
• Yakult Danone India launched 'Yakult Light Mango' with a sales boost target of 50%.
• Godrej Agrovet recorded a 28.3% increase in first-quarter net profit.
• India won the bid to host the World Dairy Summit 2027 at the IDF General Assembly.
• Continued trade negotiations with the EU are focusing on dairy market access.
• National Milk Day 2024 was commemorated with a high-profile celebration in New Delhi.
• Launch of Kerala's largest government-operated goat farm in Kasaragod.
• Mother Dairy's agreement with National Cooperative Organics Limited.
• India is fostering multi-state cooperative societies to boost exports and organic farming.
• India’s dairy sector advances in sustainable energy practices with over 27,000 household biogas plants.
• Cross-border pricing discrepancies with Nepal are spurring smuggling activities.
• India’s dairy market leads within the broader FMCG sector.
• Gujarat's 'Mission Bee' drives significant honey production increase among Amul farmers.
• Nova Dairy is celebrating a significant milestone—the 25th anniversary of its Malanpur Plant.
• India has raised concerns regarding the obstacles faced by its milk exporters in Nepal.
• India remained the largest single importer, reflecting strong demand for Malaysian palm oil products globally.
• India’s farm, pharma, and dairy sectors might face significant challenges from Donald Trump’s tariffs.
• A Japanese dairy farm operator is set to expand into India, capitalizing on the country’s robust demand for dairy products.
• The demand for plant-based dairy products in India has surged due to increasing lactose intolerance.

Despite challenges such as price stabilization and rising operational costs, India’s dairy sector remains resilient, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and global competitiveness. As consumer trends evolve, India’s role as the world’s leading dairy producer is set to drive further growth, benefiting both its economy and international trade engagements. The country continues to promote cooperative models like Amul to bolster rural economies, with projections indicating that India and Pakistan will spearhead an anticipated 1.5% annual global milk production growth. India is leading the way in the global commitment to cleaner and greener food production.

Modified: 2025/02/05

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