India’s dairy sector has emerged as a cornerstone of the country’s agricultural economy, nutritional security, and rural livelihoods. As the largest milk producer in the world, India contributes nearly a quarter of global milk supply, with dairy now being the nation’s largest agricultural product. The sector not only provides a steady source of income to over eight crore farmers but also plays a pivotal role in empowering women, promoting inclusive growth, and supporting rural prosperity.
Over the past decade, India has recorded remarkable growth in milk production, bovine productivity, and cooperative development, laying the foundation for the next phase of transformation under White Revolution 2.0.
India’s leadership in global milk production
India remains the largest milk producer in the world, contributing nearly a quarter of global supply. The sector has grown into the country’s largest agricultural product, contributing five percent to the national economy and directly employing more than eight crore farmers. Over the past decade, milk production rose by 63.56%, from 146.3 million tonnes in 2014–15 to 239.3 million tonnes in 2023–24. Per capita milk availability also increased by 48%, reaching over 471 grams per person per day in 2023–24.
Case study: Women driving change
Gurvinder Kaur of Ajoli village in Rupnagar, Punjab, exemplifies the transformative power of dairy farming. Trained by the Dairy Development Department in 2014, she started with a single Holstein Friesian cow and now operates four milching cows, producing around 90 litres of milk daily. Supplying milk to Verka Dairy and local consumers, she has invested in modern equipment such as chaff cutters, milking machines, and silage units, demonstrating how technology can maximize profits and empower women in rural India.
Growth in bovine population and productivity
India’s 303.76 million bovines—including cattle, buffalo, mithun, and yak—are central to both milk production and draught power. Between 2014 and 2022, productivity of bovines increased by 27.39%, the highest globally, supported by initiatives like the Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM) and Livestock Health Disease Control Programme (LHDCP). Veterinary care, mobile units, and integration of ethno-veterinary medicine are helping farmers maintain healthy, productive livestock.
Cooperative network and women’s participation
India’s dairy cooperative network is extensive, encompassing 22 milk federations, 241 district unions, 28 marketing dairies, and 25 Milk Producer Organisations (MPOs), covering around 2.35 lakh villages with 1.72 crore farmers. Women make up nearly 70% of the workforce in dairy farming and about 35% of cooperative members. NDDB Dairy Services supports women-led MPOs, with over 1.2 million producers in 35,000 villages benefiting from inclusive structures and leadership opportunities.
Scientific breeding and artificial insemination
Artificial insemination (AI) has been key to improving milk production. In 2024–25, India carried out 565.55 lakh AI procedures, while the National Artificial Insemination Programme has covered over 9 crore animals, benefiting 5.54 crore farmers. Advanced reproductive technologies, including IVF labs and sex-sorted semen, are increasing the number of female calves and enhancing milk yield. Multipurpose AI Technicians in Rural India (MAITRIs) are trained to deliver breeding services directly to farmers’ doorsteps.
White Revolution 2.0
Launched in 2024, White Revolution 2.0 aims to further strengthen cooperatives, generate employment, and empower women. By 2028–29, milk procurement by cooperatives is expected to reach 1,007 lakh kg per day. The plan includes the formation of 75,000 new dairy cooperative societies, strengthening over 46,000 existing societies, and promoting sustainability and circularity through multi-state cooperative societies managing cattle feed, organic manure production, and waste utilization.
India’s dairy sector remains a vital pillar of rural prosperity, supporting livelihoods, ensuring nutritional security, and empowering women. With continued focus on scientific practices, cooperative growth, and inclusive development, the sector is poised to sustain its leadership globally and contribute to the country’s rural and economic transformation.