Uttarakhand's Dairy Sector Sees 3.1% Rise in Milk Production

Uttarakhand's milk production has shown a significant rise of 3.1%, totaling 1,957.2 thousand tonnes for the financial year 2024–25 compared to 1,897.8 thousand tonnes previously. This data was disclosed by the state's dairy development minister, Saurabh Bahuguna, during a state assembly session.

The per capita daily milk availability in Uttarakhand is now 456 grams, closing in on the national average of 485 grams. This growth in milk availability is attributed to consistent production increases and improved supply management.

Over the past decade, Uttarakhand has witnessed a steady expansion in milk production, with figures rising from approximately 1,656 thousand tonnes in 2015–16. Currently, the state produces about 53.6 lakh kilograms of milk daily, against a daily consumption of 50.3 lakh kilograms, indicating a balanced supply-demand scenario.

The state's dairy sector is supported by around 2,830 milk cooperative societies, facilitating milk procurement and supporting rural livelihoods. Several government initiatives, such as the Ganga Gay Mahila Dairy Scheme and the Milk Price Incentive Programme, aim to boost production and employment in the rural dairy sector.

The state's dairy brand, Aanchal, has seen a revenue of ₹399.5 crore in 2024–25, with expectations of increasing to ₹444 crore in 2025–26, reflecting a growing market presence. Additionally, the government has allocated ₹93 crore for dairy development in the current year, with a proposed increase to ₹140 crore for the next fiscal year.