India's Dairy Sector Sees Significant Growth in the Past Decade

Since Prime Minister Narendra Modi assumed office in 2014, India's dairy sector has undergone substantial growth. According to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, milk production in the country has surged by 70% over the past ten years, rising from 143 million tonnes in 2014-15 to approximately 248 million tonnes in 2024-25. Shah highlighted this transformation during an event to launch various projects in the dairy sector.

Shah noted that nearly half of this growth occurred in the last five years. Per capita milk availability also increased significantly, from 307 grams per day in 2014 to around 485 grams currently. This increase underscores milk's vital role in nutrition, particularly for children. Shah expressed hope that Ladakh would achieve this national average to ensure better nutrition for future generations.

Additionally, milk powder production has risen from 15,000 metric tonnes in 2014-15 to about 24,000 metric tonnes. The cooperative network has expanded, with over 2.36 lakh dairy cooperative societies now operating across India, involving around 20 million milk producers. The government aims to establish 75,000 new dairy cooperative societies within five years, with 21,000 already formed. Efforts are also underway to modernize nearly 46,000 existing societies.

Shah urged Ladakh's administration to fully exploit the region's potential for livestock farming, considering the local climate. He also advocated for the development of cooperatives in allied sectors like organic farming and honey production, which could enhance farmers' incomes and strengthen the rural economy.