New Delhi. From the first drop a baby tastes to the energy boost an athlete needs; milk stays with us through every stage of life. Rich in calcium, protein and essential nutrients, this simple white liquid plays a big role in building strong bones, boosting immunity and supporting overall health. Recognising its immense value, the world comes together every year on June 1 to celebrate World Milk Day. It’s a day to honour not just a drink but a symbol of nourishment, livelihood for millions of dairy farmers and a key part of our everyday diet.
Recognizing Milk’s Global Significance
Recognizing just how essential this simple white liquid is, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations declared June 1 as World Milk Day back in 2001. Since then, this day has been celebrated globally to acknowledge milk’s importance as a universal food.
Every year, World Milk Day shines a spotlight on the multiple roles dairy plays:
As a source of good health and nutrition
As a pillar of economic stability, especially in rural communities
As a sustainable practice when responsibly managed
And as a lifeline for millions of farmers who depend on dairy for their livelihood
This year, the theme for World Milk Day 2025 is: “Let’s Celebrate the Power of Dairy.” It’s a call to honor dairy not just as food but as a force that nourishes bodies, sustains communities, and drives economies.
From Milk Deficit to Dairy Powerhouse
Today, India is a global leader in milk production but it wasn’t always like this. At Independence, the country faced a severe milk shortage. It produced less than 21 million tonnes annually. Per capita milk availability was only 124 grams per day in 1950-51.
A major turning point came in 1965 when the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) was created. Dr. Verghese Kurien, known as the Father of the White Revolution, was appointed to lead it.
This laid the foundation for Operation Flood (1970–1996), one of the world’s largest rural development programs. By the end of Operation Flood:
Over 73,000 dairy cooperatives were established
700 towns and cities received quality milk daily
India became self-sufficient in milk and even began exporting milk products.
India’s Milk Growth
This started a big change in India’s milk industry. India’s dairy sector grew fast and became important both nationally and globally.
World Milk Scenario
India has been the number one milk producer since 1998. It now produces 25 percent of the world’s milk. While global milk production grows by 2% each year, India’s milk availability per person has increased by 48% in the last ten years. In 2023-24, the average Indian gets over 471 grams of milk daily, much higher
than the world average of 322 grams.
India’s Dairy Growth Story
India’s milk production has seen remarkable growth over the past decade. Between 2014-15 and 2023-24, milk production rose by 63.56% from 146.3 million tonnes to 239.2 million tonnes. This means the country has maintained an impressive annual growth rate of 5.7% over the last 10 years. This steady rise not only meets the nutritional needs of India’s large population but also shows how efficient and productive the dairy sector has become.
In 2023-24, Uttar Pradesh was the top milk-producing state. It contributed 16.21 percent of India’s total milk output. West Bengal showed the fastest growth in milk production. It recorded a growth rate of 9.76 percent compared to 2022-23.
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