Why in news?
The government released new data showing that India produced 239 million tonnes of milk in 2023‑24, reinforcing its position as the world’s largest milk producer. The figures coincide with the launch of the “White Revolution 2.0” cooperative initiative, which aims to significantly expand milk procurement and promote sustainability.
India’s rise to dairy dominance
India’s milk production has increased by more than 60% over the past decade. Programmes such as Operation Flood (1970s onward) created a cooperative network linking farmers to processing plants. The National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) and the leadership of Verghese Kurien empowered millions of small dairy farmers. Milk production rose from 146 million tonnes in 2014‑15 to 239 million tonnes in 2023‑24, giving India roughly a quarter of global output. Per capita availability is now 471 grams per person per day, well above the world average.
Structural features of the sector
- Cooperatives and federations: India has 22 milk federations and more than 240 district unions that procure milk from 235 thousand villages. Around 17 million farmers deliver milk daily; women constitute about 70% of the workforce and lead over 48 thousand women‑run cooperatives.
- Improving productivity: Bovine productivity has increased by more than a quarter since 2014. Interventions include artificial insemination, in vitro fertilisation laboratories, and progeny testing programmes. In 2024‑25 alone there were over 560 million artificial inseminations.
- Private sector and start‑ups: While cooperatives remain dominant, private dairies and start‑ups are investing in value‑added products such as cheese, yoghurt and high‑protein drinks. Digital platforms are helping farmers receive payments quickly and access veterinary advice.
White Revolution 2.0 and sustainability
Launched in September 2024, the second White Revolution aims to set up 75 thousand new cooperatives by 2028‑29 and to double daily milk procurement. It emphasises a circular economy: cattle feed production uses crop residues, and dung is processed into biogas and organic fertiliser. The initiative also prioritises climate‑resilient fodder crops and the conservation of indigenous breeds. Adoption of 5G‑ready technologies will allow real‑time monitoring of animal health and supply chains.
Opportunities and challenges
Growing urban demand and rising incomes present opportunities for farmers. However, dairy remains vulnerable to climate variability, fodder shortages and animal diseases. Sustainable practices, access to credit and training in value‑added processing will be critical. As India integrates its dairy sector with global markets, quality standards and traceability will determine export success.