Milk Production, Availability and its Role in Human Health

Abstract

Dairy farming constitutes a cornerstone of India's rural economy, offering livelihood support to millions and contributing significantly to the nation’s nutritional security and GDP. India is endowed with the largest livestock population in the world. Milk production and dairy farming as a subsidiary occupation to agriculture have been given immense importance as dairy farming not only gives employment opportunities but also act as a catalyst to improves the dietary supplement of the family and provides a steady income to a large number of people to both the rural and urban poor of the country. This study aims to provide a comprehensive state-wise assessment of the dairy sector, focusing on key indicators such as milk production, productivity, per capita milk availability and institutional linkages. This paper reviews the evolution of the dairy sector in India. It also provides policy recommendations for ensuring sustainable growth of the sector in the coming decade. The findings reveal that states such as Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Bihar and Haryana consistently lead in total milk production. These State contributes about 82% of total milk production in the country.